AR HB1958: To Require Public Entities To Create A Policy Concerning The Authorized Use Of Artificial Intelligence.

In one paragraph

Act 848 requires every Arkansas public entity, from state departments to cities, counties, school districts and colleges, to adopt an artificial intelligence and automated decision tool policy. The policy must define the authorized uses of AI and automated decision tools and require an authorized human employee or designee to make every final decision, whatever the AI recommends. Entities must train employees on the policy and create a disciplinary procedure for violations. Because the act has no emergency clause, it took effect August 5, 2025.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Vendors selling AI tools to Arkansas agencies, schools or local governments should expect buyer policies requiring a human to make every final decision.

Key provisions

1. 1Defines 'artificial intelligence' and 'automated decision tool' (Ark. Code § 25-1-128(a))
2. 2Each public entity must create an AI and automated decision tool policy defining authorized uses (§ 25-1-128(b)(3)(A))
3. 3A human employee or designee must make any final decision, regardless of what the AI recommends (§ 25-1-128(b)(3)(B))
4. 4Employee training must cover the appropriate use of AI and automated decision tools in deciding outcomes
5. 5State entities' policies must be available to the public on request; the Department of Education develops policies for school entities
6. 6Each public entity must create a disciplinary procedure for policy violations

Latest legislative action

Apr 17, 2025. Act 848 (approved by the Governor)

Sponsors (showing 5 of 27)

Amendments (1)

• Senate Amendment S1 Not adopted 2025-04-08