Artificial intelligence (AI) is the talk of the town, and Nevada lawmakers are gearing up to address it. For a state that’s been at the forefront of innovation in areas like technology and gaming, this might not come as a surprise.
But here’s the kicker:
Nevada doesn’t have any laws on the books specifically regulating AI—at least not yet. This legislative session, several bill draft requests (BDRs) are signaling that AI regulation is about to become a hot topic.
For conservatives who value limited government and personal freedom, the direction Nevada takes on AI is something to watch closely.
What’s on the Table?
Republcian Governor Joe Lombardo has already issued a memorandum addressing the responsible and ethical use of AI in government. This guidance sets the tone for ensuring that AI implementation in state operations aligns with Nevada’s values of transparency and accountability. By emphasizing ethical practices, the memorandum provides a foundation for lawmakers to build upon as they consider new legislation.
Interestingly, Nevada has a history of recognizing artificial intelligence in state law. In 2011, the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 482A on Autonomous Vehicles defined artificial intelligence under NRS 482A.020, marking an early acknowledgment of AI in legislation. However, in the 2013 session, this definition was scrapped.
Several BDRs have titles indicating that lawmakers are looking at AI from a range of angles. For instance, one proposal aims to establish a policy governing the use of AI by the Department of Taxation. Another seeks to enact provisions related to AI use in elections.
These two areas alone could have big implications for Nevadans, especially those who prioritize transparency and accountability.
In addition to the proposals focused on taxation and elections, another critical measure under discussion is the outright ban on AI-generated harmful and exploitative content. Such a ban aligns with conservative values of protecting children and upholding moral standards, reinforcing the need for strong guardrails as technology evolves.
On the other hand, using AI in taxation raises red flags for many conservatives.
Will it streamline processes, or will it lead to more invasive data collection? If the state relies on AI to flag discrepancies in taxes, for example, how much oversight will there be? These are questions lawmakers need to answer before moving forward.
On the election front, the stakes are even higher. Ensuring fair and secure elections is foundational to our democracy.
AI could potentially help identify voter fraud or streamline ballot processing, but it could also open the door to manipulation. Lawmakers should consider provisions to ban the use of deepfakes in campaigns and require disclaimers on AI-generated content in campaign materials.
Deepfakes, which are highly realistic but artificially generated videos or audio clips, pose a significant risk to election integrity by spreading misinformation or manipulating voter perception.
Ensuring transparency in these areas is critical to maintaining public trust in the democratic process
Why This Matters to Conservatives
AI regulation matters to conservatives because it touches on key principles like individual liberty, limited government, and accountability. Technology should make life easier, not serve as an excuse for government overreach.
Take the Department of Taxation’s potential use of AI. If the technology is poorly implemented or lacks transparency, it could become a tool for government intrusion rather than efficiency.
Conservatives have long been vocal about protecting election integrity.
Adding AI to the mix could help—or it could complicate things further. Proposals to require disclaimers on AI-generated content in campaign materials, ensuring voters can distinguish between authentic and synthetic content are top of mind for many conservatives.
Looking Ahead
While the specific details of the bills are not yet available, the topics highlighted in the BDR titles alert us to the significant focus on artificial intelligence regulation in the upcoming legislative session.
This focus is a clear sign of the times—a recognition of both the opportunities and risks that AI presents.
As Nevada moves forward, the challenge will be balancing innovation with accountability, ensuring that the technology serves the people without compromising their values or freedoms. For conservatives, this is a moment to engage and guide the conversation, ensuring that the principles of transparency, privacy, and ethical use remain at the forefront.
It’s an opportunity to ensure that AI is used to serve the people, not control them. Let’s keep an eye on Carson City and make sure the right balance is struck.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
