SB104: SB104 State Government; use or installation of any artificial intelligence system on state equipment when the company that developed or deployed such artificial intelligence system is associated with the People's Republic of China; prohibit

Currently, Georgia law does not specifically restrict which artificial intelligence software state agencies can install on government equipment. This bill would add a new article to Georgia's information technology law (O.C.G.A. Title 50, Chapter 29) creating that restriction. The bill defines 'agency' broadly to include the state itself, all state branches, departments, boards, and also counties, municipalities, school districts, consolidated governments, and their employees or agents. It defines 'artificial intelligence system' as a machine-based system that emulates human cognitive processes like learning, reasoning, or communicating. Under the new rule, no covered agency could install or use an AI system on state equipment if the company that built or deployed it is owned or operated (directly or indirectly) by the People's Republic of China, or is headquartered, based, or organized under Chinese law. The bill repeals any conflicting laws but does not state a specific effective date beyond standard enactment.

• Creates a new legal article in Georgia's information technology code (O.C.G.A. Title 50, Chapter 29) governing AI use on state equipment.
• Bans state and local government agencies from installing or using AI systems made by companies owned, operated by, or headquartered in the People's Republic of China.
• Defines 'agency' broadly to cover state government, counties, municipalities, school districts, consolidated governments, and their employees or agents.
• Defines 'artificial intelligence system' as a machine-based system that emulates human cognitive processes like learning, reasoning, planning, or communicating.
• Repeals any existing Georgia laws that conflict with this new restriction.

State agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, consolidated governments, and their employees who use government-owned computers or equipment. Technology companies with ties to the People's Republic of China that sell or develop AI software would be barred from Georgia government contracts involving state equipment.

If enacted, Georgia government offices, schools, and local governments would need to check the corporate ownership of any AI software before installing it on state-owned devices, potentially cutting off access to certain AI tools tied to Chinese companies across a wide range of public agencies.

• Section 1 adds new Article 3 to Chapter 29 of Title 50, creating O.C.G.A. § 50-29-30 and § 50-29-31.
• Section 50-29-30 defines 'agency' to include the state, its subdivisions, and local governments, and defines 'artificial intelligence system' by its cognitive functions.
• Section 50-29-31 sets the core prohibition: no agency may install or use AI systems developed by companies owned, operated, headquartered, or organized under Chinese law.
• Section 2 repeals all conflicting laws but does not specify a separate effective date for the new restriction.

1. 2025-02-06Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-02-05Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)Primary sponsor
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• John Kennedy (R, SD-018)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)

• artificial intelligence
• state government technology
• China relations
• cybersecurity policy
• government procurement