Bill > H495

This bill introduces a comprehensive framework for addressing the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) in Massachusetts, with three primary components. First, it establishes new definitions for AI-related terms and creates requirements for obtaining user consent before employing generative AI in search engines, mandating that users must explicitly authorize AI-powered search results through an accessible, user-friendly mechanism. Second, the bill mandates a detailed 18-month study by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to examine the full environmental lifecycle of AI, including energy consumption, pollution, hardware manufacturing, data center operations, and both positive and negative environmental implications of AI technologies. Third, the bill requires reporting entities (companies developing or operating AI systems) to annually monitor and report their environmental impacts, including carbon emissions, water usage, electronic waste, material mining, and pollution, with potential penalties of up to $20,000 for non-compliance. The legislation applies to entities with annual revenues exceeding $10 million and aims to create transparency and accountability in the environmental footprint of AI technologies, recognizing both the potential benefits and potential ecological challenges posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence systems.

Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H495