High-Risk AI Developer and Deployer Act

In the meantime, the Virginia legislature has just passed the “High-Risk AI Developer and Deployer Act,” which is a wide-ranging bill focusing on accountability and transparency in AI systems. It would apply to “high-risk” systems, meaning those that can make or be a substantial factor in making consequential decisions. Those are defined as systems that have a “material legal, or similarly significant, effect on the provision or denial to any consumer” of:

1. parole, probation, a pardon, or any other release from incarceration or court supervision;

2. education enrollment or an education opportunity;

3. access to employment;

4. a financial or lending service;

5. access to health care services;

6. housing;

7. insurance;

8. marital status or

9. a legal service.”

   It excludes systems that perform narrow procedural tasks or refine/improve human activity that has already been completed (e.g., quality assurance). As of this writing, the bill was awaiting the signature of Governor Youngkin, whose deadline [was] March 24. If signed, the effective date would be July 1, 2026.