S.C. lawmakers weigh AI rules as new panel starts work - WRDW

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) — A state Senate special committee on artificial intelligence met for the first time this week in what is expected to be a multi-year effort.

The goal is to better understand the evolving technology and to make recommendations on whether South Carolina should regulate AI or use it to benefit state government.

South Carolina currently does not have a legal definition of artificial intelligence. Legislative staff told lawmakers that 33 states have adopted definitions.

The committee is examining how AI could be used across state government, public education and other public sectors, while also considering the risks and challenges.

First meeting focuses on how AI works

During its first meeting, lawmakers heard from two University of South Carolina professors, asking questions about how AI works, what guardrails may be needed, and whether the technology could one day advance beyond human control.

Sen. Tom Young, chair of the Senate Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence, said AI’s role in state government is expected to grow.

“As AI evolves, there’s going to be more involvement for AI in state government and the different areas we identified in the beginning when I talked about education, law enforcement, various other state agencies,” Young said.

The special committee is scheduled to run through the summer of 2028. Lawmakers said they ideally will have their recommendations ready around this time next year, in time for the start of the 2028 session.

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