H.341 is a proposed bill in Vermont that aims to establish safety standards and oversight for developers and deployers of inherently dangerous artificial intelligence (AI) systems. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 118, to Title 9 of the Vermont Statutes, which outlines the responsibilities of developers to ensure the safety of their AI systems and the obligations of deployers to use these systems without infringing on individual rights. Notably, the bill specifies that small businesses using off-the-shelf AI products are exempt from these regulations.

The bill requires deployers of inherently dangerous AI systems to submit an Artificial Intelligence System Safety and Impact Assessment to the Division of Artificial Intelligence prior to deployment and every two years thereafter. This assessment must cover various aspects of the AI system, including its purpose, risks, and data processing practices. Additionally, the Attorney General is empowered to enforce compliance, including issuing civil investigative demands and seeking injunctions against noncompliant parties. The legislation also establishes a private right of action for consumers harmed by violations, allowing them to seek damages, and creates a rebuttable presumption of compliance for those who adhere to the new standards. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.