Real Intelligence: SB37 Sets the Right Tone
Artificial intelligence is my bread winner these days. Of my working time each week (which is down to about 10-15 total hours), I use it probably for 90% of the output in about 5% of the time I’m working. The remainder of that time is spent doing what I would do otherwise – refining, editing, modifying, improving. (For the record, this post was written manually. I’ll report back the time).
I think some of the previous attempts to regulate AI in the state were misguided. In fact, Scot and I argued about it just last night. I recognize the intentions are good beyond criminalizing artificially created speech in the final days of an election, but I also believe they’re based in a root fear that elected officials might lose control over their elections.
Enter SB37 from Senator Albers. The bill creates the Georgia Board for Artificial Intelligence to provide guidance, model plans, and annual reports, reinforcing accountability and ethical standards in AI deployment across the public sector. It sets a good tone for how to effectively approach the changing economic dynamic.
Fear does not make for good legislation…and misunderstood as AI is, there’s a lot of fear that is driving policy responses.
In that argument with Scot, I said good legislation would follow a different framework that was based on optimism for what AI can do for our economy. First, it should be centered on critical infrastructure investment. Think rural broadband, but also think 3x the investment we’re making. Modular power generation can also be included in this conversation. Some of that will take federal changes, but I’m positive that something can be done locally as well.
Second, the policy framework should focus on sound institutional investments. Between Georgia’s universities and technical colleges, we have substantial capabilities to build entrepreneurial incubators that leverage AI to operate AND educate local businesses to utilize it. But think beyond that. Imagine the benefit to rural communities who attract digital nomads that value privacy, slower lifestyles, and better connections with their communities. A technical school rooted in, say, Alma might do well to attract 50 additional people to the community that make 6-to-7 figures a year.
Third, we have to recognize the technology moves too fast to insulate ourselves from bad actors. The policy framework must reward innovation, productivity, and output. And not to toot my own horn here, but I’m the guy you want using and helping normalize AI in the economy. For my clients, I can build an entire marketing department in their business for less than 1/10 of the annual salary of an entry level employee.
I pick up my elder daughter from the bus stop nearly every day. I drive a lot less (good news for those in West Georgia…your driving is piss poor and I don’t like you). I cook for my family a lot more. Life has changed for the better. I was able to navigate a significant amount of personal and financial loss because I had that time and space to do so.
I’m an anecdote, but not an uncommon one. I have colleagues around the world that are doing the same thing…and they’re good people who care for those around them. They want better lives for the people close to them. They spend massively to invest in their own quality of life. As the natural conservative I am, that’s the dream!
SB37 relies on expertise in the State and not assumptions made in the legislature. Of course, there’s the risk that political appointments to the eventual board, but honestly – I think that risk is low. It’s not a “sexy” appointment by any means. And, it’s worth creating a dream team like this which can invest ideas in the policy frameworks around artificial intelligence.
It’s easy to be scared when the CCP is “launching” DeepSeek (personally, I think it’s a farce and specifically meant to screw with the Trump Administration…but I digress…). It’s hard work, but far more purposeful, to be visionary. Senator Albers sets the right tone with SB37.
NOTE: For record keeping, took me 38 minutes to just write this post…and an additional 24 to edit.
