AI in the Regional News

One cannot look at the news without some mention – or more often, multiple mentions – of artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, the Virginia legislature passed a law designed to regulate the development of “High-Risk AI” in the Commonwealth; this was patterned after a similar law in Colorado. Because of the fear that its strict regulatory requirements would hamper the development of AI in Virginia, Governor Younkin vetoed the bill; his veto was sustained by the House of Delegates. Last year, however, Governor Younkin had issued Executive Order #30, which set baseline standards and guidelines for the use of AI in the State Government. The Virginia Information Technologies Agency published standards for AI and IT for the entire executive branch in June, 2024. Those requirements, which also apply to vendors to the State, are still in effect, so no “vacuum” resulted from the veto. They also require compliance with other standing regulations, such as non-discrimination, protection of personal information, etc.

In the meantime, use of AI is growing fast in law firms, and [in a somewhat-related development] lawsuits regarding possible copyright violations of materials used to “train” AI programs are in progress around the country.