Bill H.855, introduced by Representative Harvey of Castleton, aims to amend civil court procedures regarding actions based on harm caused by artificial intelligence (AI). The bill specifically prohibits defendants from using the defense that the AI autonomously caused the harm in cases where they developed, modified, or used the AI that allegedly caused injury to the plaintiff. This provision is intended to ensure accountability for the actions of individuals or entities that deploy AI technologies.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that while the defense of autonomous causation is prohibited, defendants are still allowed to present other affirmative defenses permitted by law and relevant evidence related to causation, foreseeability, or contributory or comparative negligence. The definition of artificial intelligence is also provided, describing it as an engineered or machine-based system capable of generating outputs that can influence environments based on the input it receives. The act is set to take effect upon passage.