--- title: House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee, March 19, 2026 collection: meetings id: 2026-03-19/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation cite_as: House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee, March 19, 2026, video https://vimeo.com/1174511609 (machine transcript by Georgia Commons) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation/text source_url: https://vimeo.com/1174511609 date: 2026-03-19 status: machine transcript corpus_version: meetings-2026-10-23-8c15ead0f18d license: Machine transcript and summaries by Georgia Commons from the General Assembly's public video; the video stays on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/house-public-and-community-health.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/senate-education-and-youth.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/index.md chamber: House body: House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee body_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation.md meeting_kind: committee session: 2025-2026 Regular Session start_time: 2026-03-19T15:00:00-04:00 location: 515 CLOB duration_seconds: 5544.0 video_id: 1174511609 video_title: 3.19.26 Technology and Infrastructure Innovation agenda_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/house/Technology and Infrastructure Innovation%2FTechnology & Infrastructure Innovation Meeting Notice 31926.pdf bills_discussed: - HR 1670 - SB 418 - SB 540 summaries_model: gpt-6.1-sol transcript_turns: 564 transcript_chars: 103373 parts: - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation.md?start=0 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation.md?start=59563 --- # House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee, March 19, 2026 House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee; March 19, 2026; 2025-2026 Regular Session. Video, on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/1174511609. Agenda: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/house/Technology and Infrastructure Innovation%2FTechnology & Infrastructure Innovation Meeting Notice 31926.pdf. > This is a machine transcript of the General Assembly's video, made by a speech-recognition model. It is not an official record and can mishear words, names, and numbers. Speakers are not identified. The video is the record: every timestamp links to the moment it plays. ## Summary written by Georgia Commons Written by gpt-6.1-sol from the transcript below. It is not part of the record. Quote the transcript or the video, not the summary. The committee heard three measures: [HR 1670](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1670), encouraging voluntary community food-sharing programs; [SB 418](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb418), addressing unauthorized sexualized images of individuals; and [SB 540](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb540), setting safety requirements for conversational AI services. Members questioned how the image measure would interact with criminal laws and whether individuals should be allowed to sue. Discussion of the AI measure focused on disclosures, age checks, covered services, enforcement standards and penalties. Witnesses supported both protection measures, while OpenAI requested stronger AI safeguards. The chair said members would work with the sponsors on possible changes. No amendments or votes were recorded before adjournment. ## Bills discussed (3) Each account was written by gpt-6.1-sol from the stretch of the transcript it names. The bill's number is said in that stretch, unless it was the only bill on a committee's agenda. ### HR 1670. RESCUER initiative; recognize importance of voluntary community based resource recovery efforts; encourage counties to explore voluntary resource recovery programs [HR 1670](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1670) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:08:57](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=537s), turns 5 to 12. The sponsor said [HR 1670](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1670) would encourage municipalities to voluntarily establish digital food-sharing networks, allowing restaurants, cooperatives and other organizations to announce available food so people in need could find it. The sponsor described a student's experience finding a classmate taking food from the garbage as the inspiration. The sponsor reported support from the Georgia Municipal Association and ACCG, along with interest from the Spelman Georgia Women's Policy Institute. There were no questions. The chair said this was the first hearing and that the resolution would receive another hearing. No vote was taken. ### SB 418. Torts; cause of action against the knowing and unauthorized use of an individual's photograph or image together with representations of nudity or sexually explicit conduct; provide [SB 418](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb418) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:12:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=727s), turns 13 to 347. The sponsor presented a committee substitute for [SB 418](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb418), saying it would let the attorney general or prosecutors seek orders stopping unauthorized sexualized depictions and civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. The sponsor said protections covered minors, adults and deceased people, physical alterations as well as AI images, and personal use as well as distribution. The sponsor described 10-year filing periods, beginning at age 18 for minors, and a pause in civil proceedings during related criminal cases. One member questioned intent wording, parental-consent language, filing deadlines and the pause. The sponsor agreed to review wording and deadlines but defended prioritizing criminal cases. Other members questioned provider protections. The sponsor said providers could remain liable for creating content, but not merely supplying access or tools. Another member favored allowing individuals to sue, citing prosecutor workloads; the sponsor argued prosecutor-led enforcement would be faster and less costly. Members also raised parody, nonsexual humiliating images and possible overlap with child sexual abuse and revenge-porn laws. The sponsor said civil relief would supplement criminal enforcement. A Frontline witness supported the measure. The chair identified possible revisions. No amendment or vote occurred. ### SB 540. Online Internet Safety; certain disclosures related to conversational AI services; require [SB 540](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb540) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:52:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3171s), turns 349 to 563. The sponsor said [SB 540](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb540) would require AI disclosures, age checks, parental controls and crisis referrals, while restricting sexual interactions, simulated romance and engagement rewards for minors. The sponsor cited studies indicating nearly two-thirds of teenagers use chatbots and more than half seek emotional support. The sponsor described Senate changes broadening coverage of accessible chatbots and revising age checks. Members questioned disclosure triggers, reward restrictions, mental-health provisions, AI toys, exclusions, app-store responsibility and the age defining a minor. The sponsor excluded app stores, promised the age reference and left several wording questions for follow-up. Members questioned emotional-dependence language and whether reasonable-measures requirements were enforceable; another member supported that standard. A Technology Association of Georgia witness offered examples and possible standards. One member warned that a Senate increase from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation could overwhelm startups and requested consistent AI definitions. The sponsor welcomed suggestions but rejected allowing individuals to sue. Frontline and Georgia Catholic Conference witnesses supported the measure. OpenAI supported it but requested stronger age estimation, annual youth-risk assessments, parental controls, risk notifications and independent audits. The chair planned further work on changes and responsibility for misuse. No amendment or vote occurred. > The transcript runs 103,373 characters. A reader that cannot take it at once can read it in 2 parts: part 1 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation.md?start=0; part 2 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-19/house-technology-and-infrastructure-innovation.md?start=59563. ## Transcript (564 turns) [0:08:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=522s) Hey, everybody. Good afternoon. [0:08:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=526s) I'm back now. [0:08:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=526s) Um, run of show. [0:08:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=535s) We're gonna start- [0:08:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=536s) It's on the way [0:08:57](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=537s) ... with HR 1670. I appreciate, Representative Adeyina, I know that you're on a tight time schedule. Um, then depending on s- Oh, I didn't see Senator Burns. I apologize. Since Senator Burns is here, I know that the leader is still in rules, so most likely you'll go second, sir. Um, and then we'll do the cleanup with Senate Bill 540. So with that stated, Representative Adeyina, would you like to go to the podium, or would you like to do it from there? It's completely up to you, sir. [0:09:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=563s) I was on the podium. [0:09:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=564s) All right. Little formality. I love it. Do us a favor, um, give us the resolution number, please, and then also the LC, please. [0:09:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=576s) All right. Uh, House Resolution number six, 1670, LC610472. So as I stated, uh, when it came here as a bill, which is now a resolution, uh, a couple years a- go when my daughter was a junior, uh, she had a classmate who, um, she saw taking food from the garbage and it stuck on her mind. And it, when she told me, it, it, it did bother me, uh, quite a bit, uh, knowing that food is always a challenge, not just in, in our schools, but in our communities. [0:10:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=613s) So, um, we came up with this simple bill that really addresses food insecurity, food hunger, uh, and it's really sharing food across, using the digital platform. Uh, and the goal would be to encourage municipalities to voluntarily participate in f- sharing food. And, uh, they would basically create a community and restaurants or co-ops or any organization can, uh, on the digital platform notify people they have food, and those who have need, uh, can access that. [0:10:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=652s) So that's simply what it is. And since we spoke last, I've spoken to GMA, they're in support, along with ACCG. And what also happened, interesting enough, uh, the Spelman Georgia Women's Policy Institute cohort reached out to me, and they are working on a proposal they'd like to speak with me about that addresses food insecurity. So, uh, there's a lot of interest around addressing food hunger, uh, not just, uh, here in our state, but globally. And I think if we did something, uh, unique and had such a resolution out there, we'd be able to encourage more participation. [0:11:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=693s) Thank you, Representative Adeyina. I appreciate that. Um, you are the lucky recipient of zero questions or zero comments. Um, so kudos to you, sir. You were that complete. Um, this was your first hearing, so as you know, we'll go ahead and just hear it today. And, uh, I appreciate your time, sir. And, um, I look forward to hearing it on the second hearing. And, um, I think you need to head to a commitment that you have, but I appreciate your time, and thank you so much. [0:12:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=720s) All right. Thank you. [0:12:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=725s) All right. Senator Burns, uh, Senate Bill 418, sir. If you could, just give the bill, and also I want to call it the SB number. Thank you. [0:12:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=742s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, committee. I apologize for, uh, schedule conflicts. It's a little challenging right now on both sides of the capital, but I appreciate hearing Senate Bill 418. The number is SB418/CSFA. This is the committee sub for SB418. Um, 418's a significant step in the right direction to protect Georgians from having their image abused. [0:12:57](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=777s) I was driving in this morning about 6:30, and I was listening to my favorite, uh, radio station on the way in. I think it's Welcome South Brother. And WSB had a, a time, a, a, a little, a little segment on exactly this issue, where young individuals are taking an image of themselves or their, quote-unquote, "friends or classmates" and creating a representation that is either nude or in a sexually explicit representation. [0:13:35](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=815s) So this bill is designed to protect all individuals, not just minors, but also adults, and indeed, if you read the bill, even those who have passed away, from being exploited, from being abused, to being, from being subjected to ridicule or shame or embarrassment, bullying, blackmail, any negative things, recognizing that right now our youth are challenged to maintain a, a, a balanced, uh, emotional state. [0:14:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=847s) And as they are negatively represented, that has a tremendous impact on them. Let's look at the bill. Uh, the first section in lines, I guess, uh, 12 through 26 or so are just definitions. I think it's most important thing in these to note, I think you'll recognize image or individual or nudity or photograph, sexually explicit. All of these are referenced in Georgia Code now. I want to point out line 25, use or uses. [0:14:39](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=879s) ... means and includes personal use or the use that involves publication, performance, distribution, transmission, or otherwise, otherwise making it available irrespective of whether that is for commercial purposes or personal purposes. So if you take an image and you abuse it to represent it in a nude or sexual manner, it's wrong. And how do we address that? [0:15:10](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=910s) Um, I'm not a fan of using the tort system even though we originally started there. I'll explain that. If you read the caption, it's, uh, it's, uh, not as clean as it needs to be. We're trying to clean that up. So this is not a cause of action which would result in a tort. This is a civil enforcement action. So if you look at line 28 and following, the attorney general or an appropriate prosecuting attorney, that could be a DA, it could be a solicitor, it could be an ADA, or appropriate prosecuting attorney may bring a civil enforcement action against any person respective of age who knowingly, knowingly uses an individual's image together at the same time with one or more depictions of nudity or sexually explicit conduct. [0:16:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=969s) Uh, that means that there would be the ability for that, um, prosecuting attorney to issue a decease and desist order, to issue a, um, injunctive relief order on lines 25, and have civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. The other, uh, significant components of the bill are the fact that, um, a minor has 10 years from the time they turn 18 years of age to bring a, a civil, um, action against them, a civil enforcement action against them. [0:16:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1008s) A- an adult has 10 years from the point of the infraction, and a deceased individual can also be abused, and that would be similarly, uh, 10 years in order to ensure that this is just, it's just not, uh, allowable. It's not tolerated. It should not be tolerated. Many times, and I acknowledge the fact, many times, especially, uh, in the, um, in, in youth, you do things that you think are comical. [0:17:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1043s) You do things that you think are innocent. You do things that you think, well, I can play a game. But the reality is, it's not a game. It's abuse, and it hurts an individual, whether an adult or a child. And right now there's no recourse. There is one section again I need to point out at the end. Uh, this is not, candidly, it's not limited to technology. Most of the time people would assume that what we've done is we've taken AI and we've taken an image and we've sexualized it. [0:18:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1082s) It's not limited to that, but it includes that. And I think one of the things you need to recognize on lines 45 through 51, uh, we're not holding the provider, the electronic provider. No internet service provider, search engine provider, or cloud service provider or affiliate subsidiary shall be liable under this code section if it's solely the fact that someone used their tool. And I'll do the analogy that says right now, um, if someone uses a weapon to commit a crime, we do not, um, go after the manufacturer of the weapon. [0:18:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1126s) We go after the individual who committed the crime. So, uh, this thing, uh, provides those in the technology space that we're not, we're not trying to, um, ask them to address the issue. We're asking the individual to be responsible for their actions. So, uh, happy to take questions and I'm happy to, um, do whatever the will of the committee prefers. [0:19:14](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1154s) Senator, thank you so much. Um, you do have a Christmas tree, so we're going to go ahead and address them. [0:19:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1158s) That I do. And it usually creates some discussion. [0:19:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1160s) Representative Kendrick. [0:19:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1162s) Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have five questions. How many do I get? [0:19:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1166s) Whoo. [0:19:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1167s) You can do all five. This is, this is the right hearing to do it. [0:19:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1170s) Okay. Okay. [0:19:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1170s) Th- th- this is a three-page bill. You can read the whole bill in about ... Okay. Happy to. Happy. [0:19:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1176s) All right. Thank you. So the first question is on line 29. [0:19:39](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1179s) Sure. [0:19:39](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1179s) And we've had some discussion about that- [0:19:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1181s) Yep [0:19:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1181s) ... in this committee, and I serve on judiciary, non- [0:19:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1184s) Yep [0:19:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1184s) ... civil- [0:19:45](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1185s) Yep [0:19:45](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1185s) ... um, about being consistent in the c- in the code section. [0:19:49](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1189s) Yep. [0:19:49](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1189s) And if somebody from PAC- Legal. Hmm? Legal counsel. Uh, or legal counsel or from PAC, but the word knowingly, usually we- [0:19:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1198s) Knowingly [0:19:59](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1199s) ... we usually put knowingly and intentionally- [0:20:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1202s) Okay [0:20:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1202s) ... um, to try to make sure that we are being consistent in the code. Has anybody suggested that it- [0:20:08](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1208s) Uh, I would, I would suggest that's a great legal question and I w- I would defer to ledge counsel, and I, I have no issue with knowing and intentionally if that's the best, uh, way to, uh, address this concern. Um, when, when I worked with, uh, ledge counsel on this, uh, legislation, we, uh, we didn't discuss that finer point, and I would say this bill did go through judiciary in the Senate. So happy to, uh- ... [0:20:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1241s) accept the will of the committee. [0:20:43](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1243s) Okay. Mm-hmm. Okay. Um, okay. Um, my second question is, on line 32, the way that I read it is one of the elements of, um, violating the statute is that there is, uh, no authorization. But then on line 32 it says, "Or in the case of a minor, um, s- without such, such minor's parent or legal guardian." So the way that I read that is that if the legal guardian or the guardian gives consent for nudity, then it would be acceptable. [0:21:16](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1276s) But I'm sure that's not the intent of that section. [0:21:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1277s) That's not the case. [0:21:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1277s) Okay. [0:21:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1278s) A- and I think that's a very, that's a very good point. The issue is it is never permissible- [0:21:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1284s) Correct [0:21:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1285s) ... for a minor to be abused. [0:21:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1287s) Correct. [0:21:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1287s) Never. And I think, um, we've had this discussion, but I believe the, uh, intent was to ensure that we hold the parent or guardian responsible for the minor's, uh, irresponsible actions. And I would say that in many cases, and I would hope in most cases, those are irresponsible actions. Those are not the intention, the, the underlying intention is not to damage someone's character or image. [0:21:59](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1319s) It's, uh, it's an unfortunate environment where people think this is somehow acceptable. But, uh, I'm happy, again, to defer to leg council and the will of the committee. It's never acceptable. [0:22:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1335s) Okay. I think I, I understand the, the reading of it. Thank you. Um, my next question is line 37 through 39. [0:22:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1342s) Yes. [0:22:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1342s) Um, w- the reason for the stay- [0:22:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1345s) Stay [0:22:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1345s) ... I know it's probably two different legal standards between the criminal and the civil enforcement. [0:22:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1350s) Right. So this- [0:22:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1350s) So what, what, what was the reasoning behind staying the civil? [0:22:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1353s) Uh, we stay the civil when there is criminal action brought against that, uh, individual for that same action. And then once the criminal charge is adjudicated- [0:22:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1364s) Mm-hmm [0:22:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1364s) ... the civil charge can then be, uh, pursued. So the objective here was to defer any civil action if criminal action was being pursued. And I would suggest that- [0:22:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1378s) Good man. That's right [0:22:59](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1379s) ... we're not seeing a, a great deal of criminal, uh, purs- uh, actions being pursued in this area, and our objective is not to criminalize the act. Our objective is to prevent the act or make sure the act stops. So we're trying to use this as a tool to provide good behavior and not allow bad behavior. [0:23:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1403s) Okay. I, uh, I guess I'm asking with respect to that section, if there is a way for you to stop the activity under a civil enforcement action, why would you stay it just because there's a criminal action, i- if that's the intent of that section? [0:23:39](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1419s) I, I think the civil action w- would be, uh, deferred if criminal charges were brought. You gotta recognize general... And, you know, I'm not an attorney, and you can help me. I, I believe civil actions can probably proceed faster, and, and you can get corrected behavior. But I would suggest that if the behavior rose to the level of criminal prosecution, criminal prosecution would take precedence. [0:24:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1446s) Okay. That just proved my point that we probably... I, I just don't understand why we would stay it if there's a pending criminal action. But I'll- [0:24:12](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1452s) Would you, would you... A- a- again, a- as a, as a non-attorney, I, I would, I would anticipate that, um, if I have, i- if I have a criminal charge, the district attorney would likely pursue the criminal charge before the civil charge. And I will acknowledge the fact that the $10,000 was increased from 1,000 because we don't think, um, a, a DA or an ADA or a solicitor would pursue a small amount. [0:24:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1484s) So w- And we don't, w- our objective, again, is not to fine people, and it's not to criminalize people. It's to correct behavior. That's the objective. And unfortunately right now in the Georgia code, there's nothing that, uh, suggests that, that this behavior is wrong, and it's wrong. I should not be able to take your image and make you appear to be something you are not. Um- [0:25:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1511s) I, I'm with you. I'm just trying to stre- [0:25:12](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1512s) Yeah [0:25:12](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1512s) ... strengthen- [0:25:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1513s) I appreciate that [0:25:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1513s) ... you know, um, you know, the process here. My fourth question, I'm almost there. So, uh, on line 41, so probably about 10, maybe 15- [0:25:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1523s) 15 [0:25:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1523s) ... years ago, um, we passed, um, we extended the... And I'm not sure what section of, of, o- of the code this is in, but we extended the time period that sexual abuse victims could bring a claim- [0:25:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1538s) To bring charges? [0:25:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1538s) Yeah. And I'm trying to see if it's consistent with that. [0:25:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1541s) I, I don't know, but I would have to ask leg council to, to verify that. I, I will make the bold assumption, which is always bad to make an assumption. I would anticipate that when leg council crafted the 10-year language was likely consistent with prior legislation. [0:25:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1558s) Yeah, I would think. [0:25:59](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1559s) But we can verify that. [0:26:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1560s) Okay. Yeah. [0:26:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1560s) Happy to. And, and I'm not married to 10, but I am married to consistency. Okay? [0:26:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1566s) Mm-hmm. Correct. Um, and then the last question, just to clarify, under lines 45- [0:26:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1573s) Yep [0:26:14](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1574s) ... through 51, um, s- there's a line on f- uh, line 48 that says, "Not under the control of such provider." So I'm j- just trying to see, we had a whole discussion about social media platforms, so I'm trying to see if- [0:26:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1588s) Right [0:26:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1588s) ... social media platforms would have, um, because a social media platform would ob- obviously control the content- [0:26:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1596s) Right [0:26:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1596s) ... um, would they slip through the cracks and be- [0:26:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1598s) They- [0:26:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1598s) ... liable under this? [0:26:40](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1600s) I, I would s- Let me, uh, full disclosure, um, this was a request coming from the telecommunications and, uh, uh, technology industry to say, "We cannot be held liable for users' actions." So the fact that I gave you access to the internet and you abused it- I should not be held responsible or liable for that, and, and I concur. Um, we have to address the root challenge, and the root challenge is the behavior of the individual that violates an image of someone else without their knowledge and consent. [0:27:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1641s) So the reason for 45 through 51 is at the request of the telecommunications industry to say, "We can't be responsible for what people do with our product." So this is not targeting the product itself, it's targeting the use of the product. [0:27:39](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1659s) Right, and I get that. So I get the, you know, the service providers. I was just wondering, um, because of line 48, because it says not under the control of such provider, since we're talking about social media platforms, if for some reason- [0:27:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1672s) Section 16 [0:27:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1672s) ... this gets on a social media platform- [0:27:54](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1674s) No, no, no, no, no [0:27:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1675s) ... because they're not just providing a product, if they get sucked into the same- [0:28:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1680s) Well- [0:28:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1680s) ... protections. [0:28:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1681s) Uh, t- two words I think we need to make sure we understand. On line 46, it says solely on the basis of providing access or connection. So they can still be deemed responsible if they participated, but they, they're not the ones who are actually, um, abusing the image. [0:28:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1703s) Mm-hmm. [0:28:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1704s) So, a- and on line 48, um, not under the control of such provider. So the provider doesn't control the abuser's use of the tool. The abuser uses whatever tool. These, by the way, I can take a photograph and I can cut your face out of one photograph and paste it onto another photograph that is nude or in a sexually explicit manner, and that's abuse. That's the same type of abuse. So it could be a physical image, it could be an electronic image. [0:28:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1738s) Yeah. [0:28:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1738s) And, and one of the reasons why we didn't differ- we didn't spec- specify AI or technology use is because it's really broader than that. And what we're trying to do is say it's wrong for individuals to abuse other people's images. We're at a point, as, as I think the committee recognizes, I can take technology and I can represent virtually anything, and it's so good that I can't tell the difference between what's real and what's not. And we have to say, "If you do that, it's wrong, and these are the civil actions that are, um, that are designed to defer that." Again, what we're trying to do is get injunctive relief. [0:29:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1781s) Stop doing it, right? [0:29:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1782s) Mm-hmm. [0:29:43](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1783s) Stop doing it. And if you don't stop doing it, then you should be penalized. [0:29:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1790s) Thank you. [0:29:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1790s) Thank you. [0:29:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1792s) Thank you, Representative. Chairman Parsons? [0:29:57](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1797s) Thank you, Chairman. [0:30:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1801s) Thank you. Uh, Senator, I was right there with you until I, my question was actually about 45 through 51. [0:30:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1807s) Okay. [0:30:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1807s) And it was actually my failure to be able to read the English language real well, but I f- I understand what you ... But no, but you brought up some- [0:30:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1813s) Well, that, that 45 to 51 is that legal language that I'm not as familiar with either. [0:30:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1817s) Right. But you did bring up something in the answer to the lady there that, uh, I mean, most of these things we've been been dealing with, uh, have been related to the internet or the platform, uh, social media platforms, and you brought in telecommunications. Isn't that ... And I'm just asking you this. It doesn't have ... I mean, but I'd like to know if, especially since the telecommunications, uh, industry brought it to you. That's actually an issue, that's actually an issue, uh, that I think that the FCC has been dealing with over the years, and it really ... [0:30:47](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1847s) And I think that kind of comes down to what they're ruling is or rule is currently, because that, that's an issue between whether a telecommunication company, their, their infrastructure, central offices, the, the, all the p- information or all the infrastructure that they provide is, is a content, has to do with content providing or it's actually a telephone system. [0:31:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1869s) Or is it a, a, a technology provider, a tool. [0:31:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1873s) A technology provider, that's right. Now, and I'm wondering, I'm, I was thinking that the latest ruling, which is probably a few years old now, a couple years, is that they are tel- they're telecommunication systems, and they're not, they're not, uh, providers of content. [0:31:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1888s) Right. [0:31:29](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1889s) Is that, I mean, is that what you understand? [0:31:31](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1891s) I, that's my understanding. And, and I would suggest that, um, it, we're gonna be able to stop the bad actors from abusing images if we address the individual who abuses the tool. [0:31:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1904s) Yeah. [0:31:45](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1905s) Now, I will say I, I'm not at all opposed to going after the toolmaker when it's wrong. I'm not at all opposed to that. I would suggest that I can stop this behavior by just making sure they understand it's, uh, it's, uh, in code, it's a violation, uh- [0:32:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1922s) Yes [0:32:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1922s) ... civil action can come, can be brought against you, and you can be, uh, penalized. [0:32:08](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1928s) Yes, sir. Just a question about that. I mean, I, I think what you're trying to do with the bill is really good. [0:32:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1933s) Thank you. [0:32:14](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1934s) Chairman Parsons. [0:32:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1935s) I'm finished. Thank you. [0:32:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1938s) Representative Park. [0:32:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1940s) Mr. Whip, how are you? [0:32:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1941s) Good, Senator, Chairman. [0:32:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1942s) Good to see you. [0:32:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1943s) Senator, how are you, sir? [0:32:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1944s) I'm well. [0:32:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1944s) Uh, so, uh, could you help explain, uh, w- um, about the part of, uh, why there would be no private cause of action for this matter? [0:32:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1953s) Uh, we started there. Um, and I appreciate the question. I think the reasoning to move to a civil action, civil action by a prosecutor, was to facilitate the process without the necessary need for adjudication. So if I have c- a civil cause of action, if I understand it correctly, I would have to get an attorney, I'd have to hire an attorney. I'd have to sue my, the individual who, who, uh, maybe abused me. [0:33:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=1985s) I'd have to d- I'd have to go to court. They'd have to, to, uh, then do the same. At the end of the day, I cannot stop the, um, the behavior fast enough. I would suggest that if someone is abused, their image is abused, and they go to their solicitor or their local DA, we're not gonna go to the attorney general. I don't think the attorney general is likely to be the person, but he is identified here so that they can do that. I think that if, if, if a constituent of a judicial circuit goes to a local DA with evidence that this, that the image of an individual, minor or, or not, and they took it to that solicitor and that solicitor can take immediate action, okay? [0:33:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2030s) Cease and desist. Stop. And if you don't, here's the penalty. It's a civil penalty. So it's a lot faster, a lot cleaner, but the key is not to necessarily criminalize this, it's to stop bad behavior. [0:34:03](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2043s) Okay. I, I, I... I- if I could push back a little. [0:34:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2046s) Sure. [0:34:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2046s) You know, I, I think, um, a private cause of action would create additional pathways to ensure more, uh, more, more rapid response, especially if, for example, our, uh, DAs or the AG is involved in prosecuting criminal matters, certainly with respect to some of the existing, um, uh, backlog that, that also exists. Um, uh, the, the other question that, of course, arises is just the code section where this is entered, uh, which is in title s- uh, 51 as opposed to title 16- [0:34:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2078s) It is title 51 [0:34:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2078s) ... uh, or 45 with respect to prosecutors and DAs. Um- [0:34:43](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2083s) And I think, uh, the, the whip has a good point. Uh, originally crafted it was for s- uh, a cause of action, and, uh, the, the committee or the whip may be, uh, familiar with a, a group across the nation called Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act. [0:35:03](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2103s) Mm-hmm. [0:35:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2104s) And I've studied this, we've reviewed it, I'd be glad to provide, uh, committee information on it. It's Colorado, Arkansas, Delaware. There, there are several, uh, states out there that have pursued this course of action. And, and they have used a civil cause of action. [0:35:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2121s) Mm-hmm. [0:35:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2121s) I would suggest to you that, again, the civil cause of action is more expensive and more cumbersome. If I have a 13-year-old granddaughter, okay? Let's get personal for a second. I have a 13-year-old granddaughter that goes to Lovinggood... I, I shouldn't say. Goes to a school in the metro region, right? If someone took my 13-year-old granddaughter's image and abused it, I want immediate relief. [0:35:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2150s) Mm-hmm. [0:35:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2150s) Okay? I don't want to have to go find an attorney to sue somebody to do something when I believe I can go to the solicitor or the DA, assistant DA in that community, and show them evidence, and they can immediately address that issue. [0:36:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2166s) Yeah. [0:36:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2167s) And that's what I want. I want my granddaughter to be protected. [0:36:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2173s) A- a- and I think I would want to provide as many tools to get as quick relief as possible. [0:36:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2178s) Then let's begin with the tool that's the most effective initial tool. And I'm happy to, to consider future o- o- options to strengthen it if this doesn't do the job, okay? [0:36:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2190s) Thank you. [0:36:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2190s) I, I, I think the best thing about our discussion is we all agree that what i- what is happening is wrong and that we need to find a way to address it. [0:36:40](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2200s) Mm-hmm. [0:36:40](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2200s) I hope we can get to that point. [0:36:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2201s) Uh, uh, two more questions or points- [0:36:43](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2203s) Sure [0:36:43](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2203s) ... if I may, Mr. Chairman. Uh, one, 50 li- lines 50 to 51, it does create an exception- [0:36:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2208s) Yes. Yeah [0:36:49](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2209s) ... in which, uh, the provider- [0:36:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2210s) Provider [0:36:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2210s) ... if it's responsible for the creation of that depiction, they could be held otherwise liable. Is that correct? [0:36:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2215s) Uh, let me, let me verify that. On 50, 51... [0:37:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2220s) Where it says except to the extent- [0:37:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2221s) Except... Wait, that's right, to the extent that the provider is responsible, correct. So the provider could be held responsible if they are responsible for the creation of the content. [0:37:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2233s) Mm-hmm. Uh, last question, maybe more as a point of discussion, but what, what about instances of parody? And you know, I, I think, uh- [0:37:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2240s) Very good question. Um- [0:37:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2241s) Things, um, South Park, for example- [0:37:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2243s) Yeah. Yeah [0:37:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2243s) ... and, uh, some of their episodes. [0:37:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2245s) Um, very good question. Um, I, I'm not sure I have a good answer, and I'm, I'm, I'm open to the committee's wisdom. [0:37:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2256s) I think a lot of it goes back to, uh, Representative's comment about knowingly and intentionally. What was the intent? Why did you do this? Was it designed to shame or bully or abuse? And if it was, stop. And, uh, perhaps we need to expand knowingly and intentionally, but, uh, but that's up to the committee. [0:38:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2285s) I, I, I appreciate that feedback, Senator, and I think, um, perhaps adding additional language, uh, that would expand upon simply it being not authorized may, may help address, uh, instances of parody. [0:38:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2295s) Happy to, to entertain your recommendations. [0:38:19](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2299s) Thank you, sir. [0:38:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2300s) But realize my objective here, folks, is to get something on the books to protect individuals, especially children. [0:38:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2310s) Mm-hmm. [0:38:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2310s) Whip Park, you good? [0:38:31](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2311s) Yes, sir. [0:38:31](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2311s) All right, thank you. Chairman Prince? [0:38:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2316s) Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And, uh, to my friend, listen, I, uh, I think this, we need to do something here. And um, and I think... Was, is this a hearing only, Mr. Chairman? [0:38:47](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2327s) Yes. [0:38:47](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2327s) Okay, great. Because, uh, I would, you know, as you talked about expanding, uh, this or doing more with it, uh, I know we talk about nudity and sexual spl- But what if, you know, what about, uh, I mean, if someone just took my photo and, say, may have put it on a gorilla or something like that intentionally- [0:39:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2349s) Did they do it with your knowledge? [0:39:10](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2350s) Without my knowledge. [0:39:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2351s) Did they do it with your consent? [0:39:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2353s) Negative. Ne- [0:39:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2353s) Okay, then I think they should not do it without your knowledge or consent. [0:39:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2358s) Yeah. And, and I agree, and that's why I think, uh, where we, we focus here on the nudity and the sexual piece- [0:39:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2365s) Yeah, I know [0:39:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2366s) ... of it. [0:39:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2366s) But- [0:39:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2366s) Maybe we could, uh- [0:39:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2367s) May- yeah, again, a lot of the times- [0:39:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2368s) ... expand this a little further [0:39:29](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2369s) ... we're just doing it playing games, actually. [0:39:31](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2371s) Right. A lot of folks play games that, that are not funny to some folks. [0:39:34](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2374s) No, they're not. And again, I think part of the issue is I'm concerned about the emotional health, especially of our youth, and the fact that if, uh, their quote, unquote, "friends" depict them in a, in a nude or explicit manner, and perhaps even beyond that- [0:39:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2391s) Right [0:39:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2391s) ... there has to be some guardrails. Now, again, just, I'm not trying to put people in jail, I'm not trying to criminalize things, I'm trying to stop bad activity. [0:40:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2400s) Thank you for... I think we agree. [0:40:03](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2403s) Thank you. [0:40:03](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2403s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [0:40:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2405s) Representative Tran. [0:40:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2407s) Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Oh. Thank you, m- thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, Senator, I think you and I, um, agree on protecting your 13-year-old niece. [0:40:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2420s) I hope so. [0:40:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2421s) I think you and I would disagree on criminalizing. [0:40:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2425s) Oh, I- [0:40:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2426s) I want to criminalize. [0:40:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2427s) Oh. [0:40:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2427s) And so it's my understanding under- [0:40:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2430s) We need to get a new bill [0:40:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2430s) ... current Georgia law, any kind of image of child pornography would be addressed criminally right away. [0:40:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2438s) Correct. It should be addressed right away. I totally agree. [0:40:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2442s) So my concern with this bill is that it would add another layer that may unintentionally protect the person distributing child pornography. [0:40:54](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2454s) That, it- [0:40:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2455s) So what you're saying is that this will provide injunctive relief, forcing the provider to remove the picture, right? When really what should happen is it does go to either a local police department or solicitor, DA, whoever, that immediately press- presses criminal charges. There should be no question as to whether we do civil action or criminal action. If it's child pornography, I don't care if it's a 13-year-old face on a 50-year-old body, it's still child pornography. [0:41:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2486s) Totally agree. [0:41:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2487s) Immediate criminal action, right? [0:41:29](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2489s) I, I, and that's the thing- [0:41:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2490s) This, this brings question whether it's civil or criminal. [0:41:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2493s) No, it, that, that leads to the fact that the DA has to bring that criminal charge, and that's why any civil action stayed during the, uh, criminal, uh, action arising out of that conduct. So we'd allow the criminal action to take precedence. The civil action would be receded until certain criminal action has been adjudicated. [0:41:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2516s) Okay. The, the way I read it is the DA would decide between the two. [0:42:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2521s) Well, I think that the, I agree with you there, but the DA is, I, I would, I would hope. I would hope that the DA would look at the criminal charge as a more severe approach toward enforcement, and that the civil action would be the lesser then. But let me suggest that it's more difficult to get a criminal prosecution verdict than it would be to get a civil injunctive relief action. Uh, so that I can take a bad actor- [0:42:32](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2552s) Mm-hmm [0:42:32](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2552s) ... and I can charge them criminally, and I c- I can't, it takes, it could take years to get relief in a criminal environment. I can take a civil action. Again, now we're not talking about the, the porno- the pornographer. We're not talking about the professional abuser. We're talking about mostly individuals who, in some cases, in their mind, innocently portray you or me or my granddaughter incorrectly. I'm trying to make sure they understand that's wrong. [0:43:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2584s) I, I un- understand that, but it's criminal for any kind of distribution. Not the professional videographer creep that's videotaping something. Any kind of distribution is illegal- [0:43:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2597s) It is [0:43:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2597s) ... as far as my understanding goes. [0:43:19](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2599s) It is. [0:43:19](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2599s) So I would want the DA to immediately go to criminal charges, which should take down the content immediately. [0:43:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2605s) Agree. Agree. [0:43:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2606s) Um- [0:43:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2607s) And I don't think we're changing that at all. As a matter of fact, what, what I hope we're doing is strengthening it so that we can expand the use. Look on lines, again, I read it through a minute ago, 25 through 27. "Use or uses means and includes personal use." Personal use. So 13-year-old boy takes an image of his 13-year-old girlfriend and sexualizes it. Is that criminal? [0:43:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2635s) Criminal. [0:43:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2636s) Again- [0:43:57](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2637s) It would be criminal, period [0:43:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2638s) ... 13-year-old- [0:43:59](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2639s) 13-year-old boy- [0:43:59](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2639s) 13-year-old putting- [0:44:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2640s) ... putting up- [0:44:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2640s) Now my point is- [0:44:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2641s) ... image, nude images of a 13-year-old girl [0:44:03](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2643s) ... okay [0:44:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2644s) ... criminal [0:44:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2644s) ... for personal use. Not distributed. Not published. [0:44:08](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2648s) On social media, it would be- [0:44:10](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2650s) I, I didn't say that. [0:44:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2651s) Okay. [0:44:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2651s) I said not published, not distributed. [0:44:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2655s) Still criminal. [0:44:16](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2656s) I, I, I got it. But again, why would you not choose to add a protection to that individual so that we can immediately stop the bad behavior? So going back, going back to lines 25, includes personal use, the use that involves publication, performance, distribution, transmission, or otherwise making available to the public, irrespective of whether it is for commercial purposes. So you don't have to try to sell it. [0:44:47](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2687s) It's wrong. Uh, and, and I would hope that, again, our objective here is to protect Georgians. [0:44:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2695s) I agree with that. One more question. [0:44:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2698s) Can you make it- [0:44:59](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2699s) Um, I'll make it quick. Um, also in our code is, recently, is revenge porn. We've made it illegal for revenge porn, which is the same concept. [0:45:08](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2708s) Which, which is concept, right. [0:45:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2709s) Right? [0:45:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2709s) Agree. [0:45:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2709s) And so again, I'm afraid that this is adding a layer that may delay addressing revenge porn immediately on the criminal end. [0:45:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2722s) I, I hear your concerns. I, I, I don't necessarily share them as con- uh, as concerns. I see this as some well-needed, uh, legislation to expand protection. I think there are any number of, of, uh, high-profile criminal cases where, um, the, the, uh, defendant was able to be held not guilty of a criminal charge, and subsequently be held liable for a civil charge. [0:46:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2760s) Mm-hmm. [0:46:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2761s) Um, it's the, it's the same concept here. We're providing a civil relief if the criminal challenge is either inappropriate or unattainable. [0:46:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2775s) Mm-hmm. Thank you, Senator. [0:46:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2777s) Thank you. [0:46:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2777s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [0:46:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2778s) Hey, I appreciate it. Thank you. [0:46:19](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2779s) Thank you, Representative. [0:46:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2782s) Yeah. [0:46:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2782s) Chairman Thomas, you're the cleanup hitter. [0:46:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2784s) All right. Thank you. I, I actually wanna ... It's funny that you picked up on that. That's exactly one of the questions I have. Um, specifically OCGA 16-11-90 through 92, and I know you don't have the whole code in front of you- [0:46:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2796s) No [0:46:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2796s) ... but that's the re- the revenge porn section of the code. I, I'm, I'm interested to know what made you decide to, instead of just maybe working within the provisions of the existing code and bolstering that a little bit, but instead what made you feel like you needed to take a completely different kind of subsection? 'Cause I, I'm a little concerned that one is gonna preempt the other as well. I, I independently came up with that one, so. [0:47:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2821s) Well, I, I, I would say, um, as most legislation, it comes from an experience. Uh, it comes from a constituent. It comes from a discussion. It comes from something that, that points you towards saying, "Address this problem." So this concept germinated from a discussion, uh, back a year or so ago in a conference, where we were talking about name, image, and likeness, NIL. [0:47:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2861s) So if I am quarterback at the University of Georgia and I enjoy certain notoriety and certain, uh, ability to market my name and image and likeness, and I pro- I protect that by law. [0:48:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2881s) I extended that to say it should be equally applicable to an individual whose image is abused. If I protect a star athlete's marketability and, and value, market value, with a name, image, and likeness contract, why would I not provide the same protection, not commercially viable, but the same protection for the name, image, and likeness of a child? [0:48:31](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2911s) That's where it came from. Now, we're not dealing with names here. We're dealing with images and likenesses where they're abused. [0:48:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2918s) But it's- [0:48:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2918s) That's where it came from. [0:48:40](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2920s) Well, I, I understand where it came from. I, I was just trying to- [0:48:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2922s) Yeah [0:48:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2922s) ... uh, really more understand of where, where the, where y'all's mind was going this route instead of just working within the- [0:48:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2928s) When I- [0:48:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2928s) ... existing provisions of the code [0:48:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2930s) ... began to follow, follow up- [0:48:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2931s) Yeah [0:48:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2931s) ... um, when I began exploring options for addressing this and I requested Ledge Council's assistance, I basically described what I was trying to accomplish. [0:49:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2944s) Mm-hmm. [0:49:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2945s) And when I met with Ledge Council and discussed this, this was their recommendation. Now, folks, I'll take any path that works. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy to take any path that works. As we all know, we're getting toward the end of a session and there's very little time left. [0:49:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2961s) Mm-hmm. [0:49:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2961s) And in my mind, this is the most important thing I can do this year, okay? [0:49:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2965s) Well, well, I'm, I'm- [0:49:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2966s) And, and I just need something to protect the image of ... And just to say it's wrong and stop. This, it's a cease and desist. [0:49:37](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2977s) You know everybody's ... I've, I've helped you with plenty of bills come through over the, the House- [0:49:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2981s) Right [0:49:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2981s) ... over the years. I, I have a house bill, HB 171, that I have been trying to get through the Senate that does exactly the same three- [0:49:49](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2989s) Match that. Match that [0:49:49](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2989s) ... and it gets stopped every year at some version of it for three years that does exactly the same thing. And, and- [0:49:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2996s) Th- does this? [0:49:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=2996s) Yeah. The, it, it, it's been sitting in the Senate and it sits over there, and then it dies, and then I- [0:50:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3001s) Bring it. Bring it to me. [0:50:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3002s) It ... I'll, I'll be more than happy to. It's sitting in Rules right now. But I, I, I cannot agree more that this is one of the single most important issues that we have to address as a general assembly, and it, it would be a travesty to walk out of, of session not having some kind of protections in place- [0:50:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3018s) Not have something [0:50:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3018s) ... for, yeah, f- for our kids. And th- that particular bill, like I said, has been vetted through j- Senate Judiciary, House Judiciary multiple times. [0:50:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3027s) Let, let me suggest- [0:50:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3028s) Yeah [0:50:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3028s) ... I have no, uh, sense of ownership of this concept. [0:50:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3033s) Okay. [0:50:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3033s) And I am, I'm happy to support any movement in the direction of protecting, uh, individuals from abusive i- image use. [0:50:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3042s) Well, my good friend, I am in alignment with you, so maybe we can talk offline. [0:50:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3046s) Maybe we can figure that out. [0:50:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3046s) Yeah. Th- thank you. Thank you, Senator Burns. [0:50:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3048s) Thank you. [0:50:49](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3049s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, Senator, uh, the Christmas tree is now dark. [0:50:54](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3054s) Good. [0:50:54](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3054s) Uh, so congratulations. [0:50:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3055s) I'm alive. Thank you. [0:50:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3056s) And what I'd like to be able to do is first I want to obviously say thank you on what has traditionally been the modus operandi of the committee. Um, you heard a lot of thoughtful questions and comments. [0:51:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3066s) Thank you. Right. [0:51:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3066s) Uh, please don't be surprised if the representatives that reached out to you in this comment section reach out to you directly- [0:51:12](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3072s) Please do [0:51:12](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3072s) ... to possibly discuss with you what could be potential changes. [0:51:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3075s) Sure. [0:51:16](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3076s) Uh, I think we have, I mean, my notes literally look like law school in terms of all the margin notes. So we got a lot to look at here. [0:51:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3083s) Right. [0:51:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3083s) And I appreciate your time, and thank you so much, Senator. [0:51:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3085s) I appreciate the committee's consideration. I recognize it's a challenging process. [0:51:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3088s) Yes. I'm so sorry. S- par- par- pardon my second, Senator. No, I just ... Sure. Was this for the senator? No, I hadn't gotten- Oh, it's not for the senator. Okay. I apologize, Senator I got you. [0:51:37](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3097s) You w- with mine? 171. [0:51:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3102s) Oh, my apologies, Senator. Before you leave, you did have an individual who was gonna speak, uh, Mr. D'Angelo. Um, my apologies for not calling you up. [0:51:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3111s) That's okay. I'll be brief. [0:52:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3121s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. Joseph D'Angelo, Church Ambassador Network Director for Frontline. We are in favor of this bill or any bill that accomplishes the same, uh, outcome. We wanna make sure that we're protecting children. We've got a bunch of statistics. We've heard a lot about this bill already, so I won't get into them, but, uh, we're in strong support of Senator Burns' bill. Thanks. [0:52:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3141s) Thank you so much. Thank you, Senator. [0:52:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3147s) All right, our third... I guess we have one resolution, so our second bill of the day, uh, Leader Anna Vitardi. I- If you can just bill number and I guess the SB number, please. [0:52:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3166s) Good morning, good afternoon. I don't know what day it is. Um, this is SB 540. Um, I don't have the LC number 'cause I don't have the bill with me. Um, but I'll kinda walk through kinda the purpose of this bill, why we're bringing it forward, and then, uh, obviously take some Q&A. Thanks, Ben. Um, so AI's rapidly transforming our world. It's been helping doctors detect diseases, increase productivity in our workforce, and has given small business powerful tools that only once large corporations could afford. [0:53:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3201s) Um, we've seen AI become, uh, one of the more powerful technologies when we talk about, um, intelligence, we talk about, uh, national security, and, you know, this AR arms race that I think we've all seen globally talked about, whether it's in the news or, um, you know, across the country. Recently, the federal government has made it clear that, you know, their priority in recent executive actions, um, has been focused on that global AI race, um, to ensure economic strength and national security. [0:54:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3240s) At the same time, the executive orders that we've seen recently over the last few months also recognizes that states have an important role to play respo- in terms of putting in place safe, uh, guardrails, partic- particularly when it comes to, uh, protecting children AI on- online. It allows innovation, uh, to continue, this bill does, but it ensures that we are addressing the real risks that emerging AI technologies pose to our children. Across the country, we're seeing rapid use of conversational AI systems designed to simulate human interaction. [0:54:35](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3275s) For many adults, these tools can be useful and productive, but for children and teenagers, they present a real and growing risk. Recent studies show that nearly two-thirds of teenagers are r- already using AI chatbots, and more than half report turning these into systems for emotional support. These systems are not neutral. They are machines specifically designed to maximize overall engagement. They're programmed to validate and reinforce user behavior in order to keep people interacting with them longer. [0:55:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3306s) For developing minds, especially young children, that dynamic has become and is dangerous. We've seen many troubling examples. We've seen H- A- AI chatbots have simulated romantic relationships with minors. In some cases, they have encouraged harmful behavior or failed to respond appropriately when users express those thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and that's not acceptable. This Senate bill establishes common sense guardrails to ensure that these technologies develop in a way that protects our children. [0:55:40](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3340s) The bill prohibits sexually explicit interactions between AI systems and minors. It bans AI from simulating romantic relationships with children and requires operators to maintain procedures that direct users expressing suicidal thoughts to proper crisis resources. Second, it requires conversational AI programs to clearly disclose when an AI user is interacting with artificial intelligence rather than being a human being. The bill also requires AI platforms to provide parental controls and tools they inter- uh, so that parents and not algorithms have the final say over w- how their children interact with these systems. [0:56:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3384s) These are pretty simple and most reasonably, uh, most reasonable protections, um, we, we believe. They do not stop innovation. They don't, they do not hinder responsible companies that are building next gen technology in the space. Instead, they ins- instead, they ensure that, uh, it, that AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, but also our children are not exposing, exposed to preventable harm. Georgia should absolutely remain a leader in innovation. [0:56:54](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3414s) AI will help shape our economy, strengthen our national security, and create opportunities for next gen. But leadership in technology m- also means being responsible. This bill supports innovation while protecting Georgia's families and ensuring our children are not exploited in a world that is changing faster than any of us could have ever imagined, and we see that day to day and week to week. Um, members, there was a couple of changes in terms of the involvement of this bill, um, from when it passed Senate committee, um, and also when we took it up on the floor of the Senate. [0:57:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3450s) I just wanna highlight a couple of things. Um, one part of the bill in particular, uh, around, I believe it's lines 30, 31-ish, somewhere in that part of the bill, um- We update, upgraded that language, um, uh, to ensure that that language could be interpreted, um, that if we didn't strike that language, it can be interpreted as exempting public websites hosting a widely accessible chatbot, um, that's still accessible to children. [0:58:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3481s) And with that change, we wanted to make sure that we are ensuring clarity that the reasonable protections contained within this bill will apply to AI chatbots that are easily accessed by children. Um, the other part of this bill, um, and I think it was one of these house committees we took up a couple of years ago when I brought forward Senate Bill 351, um, we did put an age verification requirement. Um, in terms of age verification over the last couple of years, the evolution of those national discussions, um, it is still in 351, uh, the law that we passed here in Georgia. [0:58:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3518s) Um, it was subject to constitutional challenges that went to the Supreme Court. And in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton directly addressed at Texas, um, the Georgia law was referenced and it was upheld as constitutional. The age verification model in this amendment is the best way to protect children and it not be subject to constitutional attack under the First Amendment. And with that, um, ask for fa- favorable consideration and any questions. [0:59:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3549s) Mr. Leader, thank you. Representative Kendrick. [0:59:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3553s) Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, my first question is a technical one. So I'm assuming all the capitalized AI is for artificial intelligence. I don't see it referring back to what that definition is, but that's a technical thing. Starting on line 16, you refer to AI, but it's not referenced anywhere else, so you would have to just know that it says AI. I mean, that is, that it stands for artificial intelligence. [0:59:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3584s) Um- [0:59:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3584s) Yeah, that's a fair statement. [0:59:45](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3585s) Um, the second thing is I'm trying to understand what the heart of the bill is. So from lines 47 to 51, it talks about that the operator has to disclose to the, on the minor account that it's not talking to a natural person, but then on line 66 through 68, it almost contradicts that part because it makes it seem like the operator only has to disclose that it's not a natural person if a reasonable person would believe that it's not talking to a natural person. So are you, which standard are you using? [1:00:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3618s) Do you want it to automatically disclose that it's not talking to a natural person, or only if that person would believe that they're not talking to a natural person? Which, which one is it? [1:00:29](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3629s) I mean, in a, in a perfect world, probably both. But I think when a minor is entering in, uh, you know, whatever their conversation is and starts triggering, you know, different types of, um, questions or, I don't know what word I wanna use, um, maybe prompts in terms of seeking out information or responses or kind of in that back and forth conversation with the chatbot, um, before we kind of get to that, that place that the age verification would, would protect that child, just like we did with the social media bill back in 350- with 351. [1:01:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3671s) S- so a clarifying question. So do you want the disclosure to automatically happen under, on a minor account as they're going through the chat box, or you only want it to d- be displayed once it starts talking like a natural person and a reasonable person could believe that it is a chat box? Like, I'm trying to reconcile what the language says versus what you're trying to specifically do. [1:01:37](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3697s) I mean, ideally with, with the account, but there should be some sort of triggers that happen during the conversation, although we can talk about that further. [1:01:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3706s) Okay. I'll, I'll ask offline. The other thing is on line... I'm sorry. How many questions have I got? [1:01:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3712s) No, this is, this is the right meeting. Ask all the questions you have. [1:01:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3716s) Okay. [1:01:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3716s) Get all the issues out, please. [1:01:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3718s) Okay. [1:01:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3718s) So go ahead. [1:01:59](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3719s) All right. Line 53, um, this talks about not providing a minor account with points or similar awards, and I get, you know, with the intent to encourage increased engagement. What's the purpose of having the words unpredictable intervals? [1:02:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3735s) Which line are you referring to one more time? [1:02:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3737s) 53. [1:02:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3737s) 53. [1:02:19](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3739s) Like, if you took that out, would it still accomplish what you're trying to do, or was that specifically put in there for a specific reason? [1:02:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3746s) Uh... [1:02:35](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3755s) Yeah, I think that's for a specific reason. [1:02:39](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3759s) And the reason is? [1:02:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3761s) I think just in terms of, um, in terms of those prompts and around the conversation of what the minor, um, is in, in terms of engagement, so it's not, um, further increasing any sort of inappropriate activity. [1:03:00](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3780s) Okay. Um, and then my last question is on page 85 and 86. Um, the carve-out that you have about knowingly int- intentionally making a representation about it providing professional mental or behavioral healthcare, um, as opposed to, like, it, you know, acting, um, in a, in another profession. Is there a reason for the carve-out only for professional m- for professional mental and behavioral healthcare as opposed to saying that the AI service can't, you know, pretend to be any professional, um, service provider? [1:03:43](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3823s) Yeah, I think our, our focus right now is in terms of, um, protecting kids from an emotional standpoint, from a mental health perspective. [1:03:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3831s) Okay. [1:03:54](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3834s) Representative, does that exhaust your questions? [1:03:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3836s) Yes. [1:03:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3836s) Okay, great. Thank you. Representative Tran. [1:04:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3841s) Thank you, Mr. [1:04:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3842s) Okay. [1:04:03](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3843s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senator, for bringing this bill. So I'm gonna try to think a little bit out of the box here so that we're not looping something in or leaving out something that needs to be left out. So let's go back to, like, the early days of the Tamagotchis, where kids had these little Tamagotchi devices, and they had to feed them, wake them, take them for walks or whatever to keep this little digital animal alive. Fast-forward to today, we're starting to see dolls, some of them are pets, they're little dogs, they're little dolls that are given to kids as toys, but AI is implemented in them. [1:04:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3882s) And so when talking about conversational AI, it could be a mimic of how a dog would respond, a puppy would respond, like a real puppy. Um, but it gives me concern because of emotional dependence, which you list in your bill. And so how does this bill address the emerging technology in that end, where a toy could also be an emotional support product? [1:05:10](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3910s) Yeah, so, Representative, I think that's a fair question. I mean, I think what we're trying to attempt, because there are no laws on Georgia's books right now kind of in this space, and I think we're sort of going with this, is, um, I think you and I know this technology is going to just continue to accelerate. So you and I may be back here next year with, you know, where maybe the AI providers or the AI tools are currently. And, you know, I think we are living in a world where, um, you know, we're not looking to, you know, create kind of a, a patchwork across the country. [1:05:45](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3945s) I think we know that there's some very key pieces and sensitivity around children right now in all sorts of, you know, technology spaces and especially in this space. But I think as this technology evolves, and I think the technology gets better, you know, hopefully those things, like we've seen with the social media companies, um, I, I don't wanna call it the norm, but those kind of protections, you know, will become more part of where we're at. But I think because we're seeing just this spike with kids relying on these tools for the emotional supports, um, I think until the technology is... [1:06:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=3980s) You know, in 10 years, you and I may not even have to talk about this, 'cause hopefully all of our kids and grandkids are safe by, by that point. So, um, thi- this is the first step, and I think it, we're in, we're in a posture we believe, um, that we do something versus nothing in order to p- protect Georgia's most vulnerable kids. But I think it's, it's a good question. [1:06:42](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4002s) Thank you, Mr. Senator. Thank you, Chairman. [1:06:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4004s) Thank you. [1:06:44](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4004s) Thank you, Representative. Chairman Parsons. [1:06:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4010s) Thank you, Chairman. Uh, Senator, wanted to ask you just a couple questions, if I may. On line 40, uh, well, on 41, first of all, it appears here that you're, uh, targeting the apps or the, the providers of the apps, the app owners, those, those platforms, and not the, uh, app store. Is that right? You're excluding the... I'm sure that's something that Google has probably talked to you or somebody about, because that's one of their big things. [1:07:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4038s) Yeah, this, this bill has nothing to do with app stores. I know we, to your question, I mean, we took that up in 351. We've had lobbyists chasing us around this building wanting to talk about app stores. I mean, un- between all the legal battles and federal battles over app stores right now, this bill is not intended to, to solve that problem. [1:07:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4056s) Well, I mean, well, um, if I may, why not? [1:07:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4058s) No, go ahead. [1:07:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4058s) I mean, they're actually the ones who, who are providing those. [1:07:40](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4060s) Correct. [1:07:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4061s) You go to Google or any- and their app store, and all those apps are actually available. The ones that- [1:07:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4066s) Right [1:07:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4066s) ... are causing the problem that you're talking about are actually available there. [1:07:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4068s) Right. I mean, this language here in terms of age verification, minor accounts, and everything else, I mean, I mean, it's been constitutionally upheld under, as I stated before, the Texas law. It's the law that we, we put in place for 351. [1:08:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4081s) What- [1:08:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4082s) So all we did was take that language- [1:08:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4084s) What has been upheld? [1:08:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4084s) ... and put it in here. [1:08:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4084s) I'm sorry. I missed that. [1:08:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4085s) What's that? [1:08:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4086s) What has been upheld? [1:08:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4087s) In terms of, you know, age verification. [1:08:10](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4090s) Age, well, that's not what I'm asking about, though. But, but you believe that the, uh, Googles and those platforms, they should be exempted from any kind of a... [1:08:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4100s) I'm not, I'm not here to have that policy. That's a totally separate debate, Chairman. [1:08:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4103s) Well, it, it's not separate. I mean, all due respect, it's not separate at all. [1:08:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4106s) That's fine. [1:08:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4106s) Okay, next question. I think you said you dealt with a, uh, one of these bills we had a couple years ago, so you would know this. On 40, um, and this is just a question, but the minor account, uh, it's, that's not defined in this bill. Is there some place where a minor account is defined? It says a mi- well, it says "means an account," excuse me. "It means an account which a minor account, which has a minor account holder." But what, what exactly, what is a minor in this? [1:08:57](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4137s) I will, I will get you that code section. We wrote that into Senate Bill 351 when it w- was written into law, and all this does is tie in those existing code sections. [1:09:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4146s) As I recall, there is a, i- it had to be very specific about whether it was 16, 15, 16, 17, or 18. [1:09:14](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4154s) Correct. [1:09:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4155s) So which is it? [1:09:16](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4156s) I, I'll get you the code section. [1:09:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4158s) Okay. [1:09:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4158s) I di- I didn't memorize the code section from two years ago. [1:09:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4161s) Okay. And then just one more question right now, if I may. [1:09:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4164s) Go for it. [1:09:25](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4165s) And that is on, uh, page three. Um, let's see here. In particular, I guess I'd ask about 63, line 63B, statements that i- that st- that simulate emotional dependence. Isn't that pretty broad? I mean, what exactly would that... I mean, that would be pretty hard to define or [1:09:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4188s) to prosecute, I would think. Statements that simulate emotional dependence. [1:09:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4195s) I mean, I, I don't know that that's too broad. I mean, if you're a minor and you're underage, you know, whether you're on AI or talking to a friend or you're looking for emotional dependence, I mean, that, that could mean a whole lot of things. I think in, if you're trying to write this in a more narrow sense, um, if a child is crying out for help or a predator is tracking them down or, um, making comments or statements or expressing certain feelings, um, you know, that could be a flag for suicidal thoughts or something else. [1:10:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4233s) I think our intent again is to make sure that, um, there is support for that child, and that's what line 63, um, is getting to. Again, this, this, this type of bill around AI is the first, um, attempt to put something in law to protect kids. Um, but I would rather have a little bit broader definition of 63 than trying to make this so technical that we're gonna miss opportunities to protect kids, um, especially as the technology evolves as Representative Tran kinda- [1:11:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4264s) Right [1:11:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4264s) ... was, was talking about. [1:11:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4266s) I understand that. I'm just, I'm just thinking time, in terms of, uh, court challenges and things like that. I would think that would be something they would attack almost immediately. [1:11:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4275s) Yeah. I mean, if you... Yeah, sir, if, I mean, if you have, you know, um, suggested language and working with the chairman, I mean, we can, we can discuss, you know, what that, what that might be. [1:11:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4284s) Okay. That's all I have right now. Thank you, sir. [1:11:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4286s) Thank you, sir. [1:11:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4286s) I appreciate it. [1:11:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4287s) Thank you, Chairman Parsons. Thank you, Chairman Parsons. And I've, I've wrote a couple notes and I will definitely get with you per the leader's comments. Whip Park. [1:11:37](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4297s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I had a few points that, um, I think a few of my colleagues have touched upon as well. Uh, you mentioned, um, uh, in and around lines 27 to 34 that there were some floor amendments on the Senate when this passed. Um, these exclusions seem fairly broad. Um, I mean, are we... At, and at the same time, it seems, uh, you know, both under inclusive and over inclusive. Do we have a clear sense of who is being captured and who we're missing by, by how these exclusions are written? [1:12:08](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4328s) In terms of, what do you mean? [1:12:10](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4330s) Uh, so lines 29, 30, 31, 32. Uh, lines 29 to 34, where we have all these additional exclusions, um, that this would not apply to. If we're looking at lines 32 to 33, for example, my understanding would be that's like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, that could certainly, I, I could envision create emotional dependence for a minor, um, in certain circumstances. Um, uh, a- again, do we have a clear understanding as to who is included and who is, who we're missing, uh, with some of these exclusions? [1:12:47](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4367s) Yeah, I don't know that we're missing anyone. I think we've, we've done the best that we can do. I think in terms of making sure we're capturing, um, in terms of, you know, the amendment that we put on the floor to make sure it's reasonable protection for children and there's, and there's specific guardrails in terms of the technology and within the provider community. [1:13:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4387s) Okay. Um, uh, moving on to, uh, kind of my second point, and this kind of mirrors, uh, some of the concerns raised by Chairman Parsons, uh, but from lines 55 to 65, um, you know, I think I'm identifying the word reasonable at least, uh, three or four times. Um, but, but really it's lines, on line 55, 56, "The operator shall institute reasonable measures to prevent," you know, "the conversational AI service from X, Y, and Z." Um, is there, are there other states that have more defined parameters? [1:13:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4421s) Just 'cause I could envi- I could envision a big tech company saying, "Hey, our existing parameters are reasonable. There's no further action that we need to take," that continues to permit, you know, the- these harmful behaviors from continuing. [1:13:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4435s) Yeah. I mean, Representative Park, this would probably be one of the first bills of this kind in the country. Just like Senate Bill 351 was when we brought it forward, I think we were the second state to pass it. In this one, we're probably in the top three or top four in terms of, um, this type of, um, protections for children. [1:14:12](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4452s) I, I think it's a very important intent that you have for this bill. I just want to ensure that there are teeth, uh, to ensure that we're able to enforce it and certainly that a prosecutor could enforce it as opposed to depending- [1:14:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4464s) Yeah, and if you have rep- I mean, if you have language you want me to review and look at with the chairman, I'll be happy to take a, take a peek at that- [1:14:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4470s) Okay [1:14:30](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4470s) ... and look at it and walk you through it with you. [1:14:31](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4471s) Uh, likewise, I'd, I'd, uh, raise the same concern with respect to, uh, what Representative Tran and, uh, Chairman Parsons mentioned with respect to the definition of emotional dependence, romantic innuendo. Um, I think, you know, adult/minor romantic relationships certainly should be something, uh, prohibited. But, you know, I think if we're wanting to be inclusive, uh, to expand that a little bit broader, so, so we're talking maybe adult/adult, minor/minor, if, if, uh, the concern is dependence on a, on a AI tool that could otherwise, uh, cause harm. [1:15:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4504s) Uh, but certainly happy to provide some feedback after I do some research myself. Just again, reasonable, what's reasonable to myself certainly may not be reasonable to yourself, uh, Senator. [1:15:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4513s) That's probably true. Thank you, Representative. [1:15:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4515s) Uh, last thing, if I may. Uh, so lines- [1:15:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4517s) Yes [1:15:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4517s) ... 91 and 92, and this was a similar concern I raised with, um, Senator, uh, Chairman Burns' bill as well. Uh, my understanding of this language is that, uh, with respect to a private cause of action, um, my understanding is that this language doesn't preclude or prohibit a pri- private cause of action, but at the same time, doesn't create one. Um, again, I think given the importance of, uh, this issue and, and how quickly this, uh, technology is moving, um, in my mind, it's always, you know, if we're trying to ensure protection of especially minors, having a concurrent jurisdiction or, or a, uh, concurrent, uh, manner in which these issues could be prosecuted, um, I think would, would better serve the, uh, stated purpose of, of the, of the bill. [1:16:02](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4562s) Would you be open to including a private cause of action here? [1:16:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4565s) No. I mean, I, I'm not. I'm very comfortable with the language we have currently. [1:16:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4569s) All right. Thank you. [1:16:10](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4570s) Thank you, sir. [1:16:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4571s) Thank you, Whip Park. [1:16:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4573s) Chairman Crowe. [1:16:16](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4576s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was just gonna comment on the, uh, conversation they were just having about reasonable. There are other places in the law that we already use reasonable. For example, reasonable articulable suspicion is already used in our law, and so that's... I think there's a legal standard for what reasonable is. And so I, I think that, uh, I'm comfortable with the language that's in here. [1:16:41](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4601s) Thank you, Chairman Crowe. And batting cleanup again, Chairman Thomas. [1:16:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4606s) Uh, thank you. I, uh, I'd actually, I... By the way, it's good to see you, Mr. Leader. [1:16:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4611s) You too, sir. [1:16:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4612s) Hey, Ben. Um, I usually, when I wanna know what's going on in the Senate, first thing I do is I look at whatever you do to floor amendments. I usually find that's the funnest place to kinda see what was going on. One of the floor amendment- [1:17:03](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4623s) One of those, I think, I think we have an undefeated record on floor amendments- ... for the most part in the Senate right now. [1:17:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4627s) Um, well, one of the floor amendments specifically affected, it was f- uh, amendment two. It, it changed line 88 from 1,000 to 10,000 per violation, but the problem is it's 10,000 in aggregate. So if, if you, say you have 2,600 users and say it's a startup AI company, this is just one of... By the way, it's good to see you, too, Senator Harrell. I, I was trying to work with you trying to get this bill in last year in one of my bills, so, um, uh, and I heard that. [1:17:39](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4659s) Um, but w- I'm concerned that if this... Say this is a startup company and, and maybe they're trying to do everything that they're supposed to do. Sometimes all the legal alignments can be concerning, but they do everything they're trying to do. By creating a, a $10,000 per violation fine per user, I mean, that could rack up to millions of dollars really quick. And, and, uh, for maybe, maybe that's just maybe an unintentional, un- unintentional consequence from the amendment bill that... C- can you kind of maybe, maybe... I'm sorry. [1:18:10](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4690s) This is a really roundabout way to get to a question. Could you kinda come about how, what the idea was be- between 1,000 and 10,000 in that change? [1:18:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4700s) Yeah. I mean, I, I think, I mean, this was an amendment that was, um, introduced by Senator Hatchett, and I think it was basically just upping, upping the penalty. [1:18:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4708s) Okay. Yeah, 'cause I, I mean, I, I, I want people to be in compliance. [1:18:32](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4712s) Right. [1:18:32](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4712s) And, and I want 'em to, I would definitely wanna show that we, this is something that we need to take serious, but on the, I don't, I don't wanna shut, you know, future entrepreneurs down 'cause they maybe made a mistake either. I, I'm just a little concerned about that. Uh, and, and- [1:18:46](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4726s) Yeah, if you have suggestions, we can, we can talk. [1:18:49](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4729s) That, that sounds good. [1:18:49](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4729s) Yeah. [1:18:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4730s) I, I, I will. Tha- thank you, Mr. Leader. Uh, the second, uh, com- uh, the second comment is one of the things that this committee, most of the AI bills have been coming to, to this committee for a reason. One of the things is lines 35- [1:19:03](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4743s) I, I guessed that. No, I'm just kidding. [1:19:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4745s) Yeah. Lines 35 through 39, we, we have kind of a standard definition we're trying to keep tight across all the codes. Uh, I'd hope you'd be amenable if we could just kinda use our standard definition that, uh, the Senate actually agreed to that in your Senate study committee as well. So it's just a, like, kind of a basic cleanup so we don't have 25 different definitions of generative artificial intelligence. Um, one other one, and, uh, um, I'd like to phone a friend, Mr. Chairman, if that's okay. Um- [1:19:35](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4775s) Absolutely. [1:19:35](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4775s) I, I was also concerned about the institute reasonable measures, and the only reason why is a lot of times, there's, there's some type of, um, reference to, you know, a, a body that s- decides what reasonable measures are. And, and for example, you know, I'm, with my background, like, I can always go to American Society of Mechanical Engineers code, and I, that's the reasonable measures that are laid out by industry professionals. And I'm just curious, is, is Mason Rainey in here by any chance? [1:20:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4807s) Is he? Uh, hey, Mason, do, does, does your industry... Uh, so may I, Mr. Chairman- [1:20:12](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4812s) W- [1:20:12](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4812s) ... uh, just ask? I'm just curious. [1:20:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4813s) Yeah, go ahead, but, um, I hate to ask, Mr. Leader, would you share the mic for a moment just because of the streaming, if you don't mind? [1:20:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4820s) Yeah, he can- [1:20:20](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4820s) I, I, I don't have a second mic to give you. [1:20:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4822s) No, I'd say, yeah- [1:20:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4822s) It's my point, Mr. Rainey [1:20:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4823s) ... no, come on up here. [1:20:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4824s) Yeah, if you don't mind sharing with, with the leader. [1:20:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4827s) Go ahead, dude. [1:20:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4827s) Yeah, absolutely. Uh, well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. I'm Mason Rainey with the Technology Association of Georgia. In regards to some of the reasonable measures to prevent these pieces, there... I can put a more comprehensive list together for everyone, but there's tools like age estimation technology, uh, as well as content filtering for inappropriate material. And I do believe that there are some NIST standards out there as well, but I'll be happy to get those for the group. [1:20:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4852s) Yeah, I just wanna make sure, uh, 'cause, uh, I don't want someone to subjectively say what's reasonable or what's not. And I feel like if there, th- there's a good defense there, if the industry can say, "The- these are the things that we typically consider standard and reasonable." [1:21:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4866s) Mm-hmm. [1:21:06](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4866s) Um, again, it's not the fox watching the henhouse situation, but I do think it, you know, it might help alleviate some of those concerns. [1:21:13](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4873s) Oh, absolutely. [1:21:14](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4874s) Yeah. [1:21:14](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4874s) Well, it, it- [1:21:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4875s) And, and thank you, uh, thank you for allowing me to phone a friend, Mr. Chairman. [1:21:18](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4878s) That's okay. Uh, are, are we excusing your friend? [1:21:21](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4881s) Y- y- Mr. Friend, you are excused. [1:21:22](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4882s) Oh, okay. [1:21:23](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4883s) Thank you. [1:21:24](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4884s) Mr. Leader, you're back on the con. [1:21:26](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4886s) That's all, Mr. Chairman. [1:21:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4887s) That's it? [1:21:27](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4887s) Thank you. [1:21:28](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4888s) All right. Thank you, Chairman Thomas. Mr. Leader, the, um... Thank you so much. We appreciate this. Um, our goal is to get with you and obviously your staff and work through just a couple of changes. I will say one of the things that I'm really looking at is not just whether or not, and I'll put the colloquialism of Big Tech, you know, in there, but not just is Big Tech being carried to some type of, I'll say, standard, but also the bad actor. [1:21:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4915s) Mm. [1:21:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4915s) Because more and more we're seeing it doesn't matter if it's Big Tech or to Chairman Thomas's point, it's a startup, but the ability to effectively second the conversational AI or basically utilize it, and in many instances it's a subscription model of basically being used- [1:22:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4931s) Right [1:22:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4931s) ... the bad actor then effectively does what is being listed in several areas of your bill, sir, and the conversation that we'll have probably is do we include that here or do we include that into, I'll say, a separate set of legislation? But ultimately, I do think there is a platform conversation to be had, and then there's the bad actor conversation to be had, and I'm not quite sure they're mutually exclusive, but obviously we can have that conversation. But thank you so much. [1:22:35](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4955s) Yeah, I mean, I think we need a... It's, it's a good conversation to have. I mean, I, y- it makes you kinda wonder whether in the House and Senate we need to probably have a, an AI committee, no offense to the technology committee, but I mean, this, this could turn into its own world as this evolves. And I know, like, Representative Tran kinda highlighted, I mean, this is gonna... We're gonna be talking about this for decades to come. [1:22:56](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=4976s) So to that point, Mr. Leader, I couldn't... I truly agree with you in whether it's Chairman Parsons' committee or whatever, or whichever if you wanna call it an infrastructure committee because... But in my mind, to your exact point, I think if you were putting together a city today or a county today, for the last 100 years it's been, do we have wastewater? Do we have water? You know, do we have fire? Do we have electricity? Do we have gas, et cetera? To not have as a horizontal in that utility conversation or infrastructure conversation, I'll just put the general bespoke comment of AI, I, I think is folly. [1:23:29](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5009s) So to your point, I think at this point it's tethered completely into life. So the question becomes is, is it something separate or does it get baked into here, EUT, et cetera? [1:23:39](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5019s) Yeah. No, I agree. And I mean, not to be funny, but I mean, we did... I mean, even this week, in other work that I'm dealing with right now with Representative Gullett and others, I mean, I mean, these tools have found waste deficits that, you know, human politicians and finance directors and city managers have not been able to find with some of our local ci- cities as we've debated in the last 48 hours dissolving Georgia cities. [1:24:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5047s) Mm-hmm. [1:24:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5047s) Um, so I mean, I think as we kinda go through this, whether it's protecting kids or these other infrastructure pieces in the technology realm, but how does it play into infrastructure in day-to-day society? I mean, I think those are real- [1:24:19](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5059s) Mm-hmm [1:24:19](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5059s) ... life debates and policy conversations I, I think we need to have, um, to make sure Georgia is, is the standard-bearer, but also protected, but we're also trying to do everything we can to be prosperous and win as a state- [1:24:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5073s) And- [1:24:33](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5073s) ... and lead the nation. [1:24:35](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5075s) I con- I like the lead the nation part. [1:24:37](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5077s) I always wanna lead the nation. [1:24:38](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5078s) Absolutely, Mr. Leader. Mr. Leader, I know you have a tight schedule, but we do have three people that wanna speak on your bill. Uh, obviously- [1:24:45](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5085s) That's fine [1:24:45](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5085s) ... feel free to stay if you'd like, but if not, I just wanted to make sure that you knew that. [1:24:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5088s) All right. [1:24:48](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5088s) Uh, there's no other questions from the committee. [1:24:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5090s) All right. Thank you. [1:24:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5090s) Thank you so much, and we're gonna go ahead and- [1:24:51](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5091s) Thank you for all the questions. [1:24:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5092s) Nope. Absolutely, and we're gonna have, start with public comment. Mr. D'Angelo, you're up first. [1:25:07](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5107s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. Again, Joseph D'Angelo, director of the Church Ambassador Network for Frontline Policy Council. Uh, we are in support of the leader's bill, Se- uh, Senate Bill 540. Uh, as the leader mentioned, three in four American teenagers now use AI chatbots nationally. Uh, a nationally representative JAMA study found that one in eight adolescents use generative AI for mental health s- advice. Uh, this happened during a declared youth mental health crisis, and these platforms have no obligation under current Georgia law to tell a child the truth, to protect them from sexual content, or refer them to help when they say they wanna die. [1:25:53](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5153s) Common Sense Media and Stanford Medicine concluded that AI chatbots are, quote, "Fundamentally unsafe for teen mental health support," and the consequences are not just hypothetical. In February of '24, Sewell Setzer III, a 14-year-old boy from my home state of Florida, died by suicide, and court filings alleged that a, that a Character.ai chatbot spent months drawing him into sexual role play, prevents, uh, presenting itself as his romantic partner, and telling it, telling him that it loved him. [1:26:29](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5189s) Uh, when he expressed suicidal thoughts, the chatbot responded, "Please do, my sweet king." His mother testified before Congress that the platform never said, "I'm not human, I'm AI." So Google and, uh, Character.ai settled the resulting wrongful death lawsuits this past January. Uh, SB 540 doesn't ban AI. It requires that operators tell minors that they're talking to a machine, uh, it, uh, to block sexual content for minor accounts, prohibit addictive reward features designed to maximize engagement, give parents tools to manage their children's accounts, and have a plan when a user says they wanna harm themselves, and these are minimum standards of basic responsibility. [1:27:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5235s) Uh, as the leader said, we would be a leader in the nation. Only New York and California have acted, uh, and the FTC has launched a probe, uh, in this case, so this is a national consensus in formation. Uh, Georgia should be a leader in the nation, and it should not lag. Uh, we're a Christian organization, and we believe in the scriptures. Romans 13 calls governing authorities God's servants for the good of the people, and when a platform is engineered to simulate love with a child and keep them endlessly engaged at the cost of their mental health and their life, uh, this body has not just the authority but the obligation to act, and we urge you today to pass SB 540. [1:27:57](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5277s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:27:58](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5278s) Thank you, Mr. D'Angelo. Ms. Jana, I can't quite read your last name, so I'm gonna let you introduce yourself and which organization that you're with, please. [1:28:09](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5289s) It's a difficult last name, and I have terrible handwriting. [1:28:17](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5297s) So, uh, thank you, Mr. Chair, and the committee for allowing me the time to speak to this. I'm Jana Hoffacker. Uh, I'm the executive director of the Georgia Catholic Conference. I represent the Catholic Bishops of Georgia, and I am here today to support SB 540 on their behalf. Um, the Catholic Church espouses a cautious approach to AI given its uncertain relationship, uh, to and its impact on human beings and our environment. All human beings are ends to be served by technology, not means to be exploited for the sake of more narrow interests. [1:28:55](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5335s) So we are particularly concerned about the harm that AI, and in particular, the conversational AI that we're talking about in this case, can cause to children and other vulnerable people when unregulated. So we support this bill in its effort to mitigate those harms that have already impacted children and their families. Thank you. [1:29:15](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5355s) Thank you. And last but not least, Mr. Owens. [1:29:35](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5375s) Thank you, Chairman, members of the committee. It's my honor to represent OpenAI. Um, prior to the session starting, I'd sent many of you OpenAI's Youth Safety model legislation, um, both in the House and the Senate, Republicans and Democrats. Uh, when we saw this bill coming, I reached out to, uh, the leader's chief of staff. I met with the leader. I gave him several sheets of, of paper at that time. He was very polite, very cordial, as he always is. [1:30:05](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5405s) But he said, "You know, we're ready to vote on it in the Senate. I suggest you talk to folks in the House." And that's when I met with you, Mr. Chairman, at that time. The documentation that I'm looking at now is exactly the same as I showed Mr. Gerard before. Our first issue, candidly, is, uh, we don't think the age estimation language here is strong enough. So let me go back one second. We support the legislation. We support the bill. We just don't think it's strong enough. We think Georgians deserve stronger legislation. [1:30:36](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5436s) So for instance, when you talk about reasonable age verification methods on line 70 to 71, and then you say, "Which may include..." It means one, two, and three really doesn't mean much because it's a may, and I don't know what reasonable frankly means. So I would point to language that OpenAI has given probably at least 20 legislators that literally talks about implementing- [1:31:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5464s) Okay [1:31:04](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5464s) ... age estimation technology to st- to distinguish accounts that are held by minors from accounts held by adults. And there's- [1:31:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5471s) Copy [1:31:11](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5471s) ... you know, three paragraphs thereafter that literally cover- [1:31:14](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5474s) That's the one I brought [1:31:14](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5474s) ... that information to protect minors. We have additionally talked about, uh, the fact that such legislation should require annual youth safety risk assessments, once again, to protect minors. We've talked about, frankly, stronger parental controls and risk-based notification, and we've talked about independent youth safety audits. So in summary, we support the bill. We just think that we need a stronger bill, and we would be happy to work with whoever to create a stronger bill. [1:31:50](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5510s) Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Chairman. [1:31:52](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5512s) Thank you, Mr. Owens. I appreciate that. And, uh, I'm the point of contact for that. Uh, and I'll be working directly with Mr. Gerard and obviously the leader, but thank you so much. [1:32:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5521s) Thank you. [1:32:01](https://vimeo.com/1174511609#t=5521s) All right. At this time, uh, Mr. Leader, do you have any closing comments after that or... Okay. Uh, at this time, not seeing anything. We don't have a Christmas tree. We're good to go. We are adjourned. Thank you so much.