Tech Caucus Co-Chair Will Introduce AI Legislation, Work on Blockchain

Assemblyman Ian Calderon, D-Whittier, is the state majority leader and co-chairman of the California Legislative Technology and Innovation Caucus, a bipartisan group of more than 30 legislators who work to foster and promote tech and innovation; to improve the use of tech to improve the lives of Californians; and promote the tech and innovation climate in the state. At Techwire’s request, he answered several questions about what 2019 may hold for the state, in the areas of IT and innovation.

Techwire: What technology or innovation issues do you see as most important to the state in 2019?

Calderon: One of the tech issues that the Legislature will focus on next year is artificial intelligence — specifically, understanding its implications on our lives and figuring out how to best develop safeguards. We need to make sure that we allow for innovation within this area, but also have safeguards in place to prevent it from morphing into something we didn’t sign up for.

TW: How will the state and legislators wield tech and innovation in new ways next year to better serve Californians?

Calderon: We will continue to work on using technology to modify how we do business in California and serve as many people as possible. Our ultimate goal is to use technology to make government more efficient and effective.

TW: How will tech fit into any other issues the Legislature may address in 2019?

Technology can be tied into almost every issue we work on. We will see how creative legislators will be in introducing legislation next year.

TW: Will you author or co-author any tech legislation next year?'

Calderon: I will be introducing legislation that addresses artificial intelligence. I will also be working on blockchain to continue to foster blockchain innovation in California and learn the ways in which we can potentially use it for public infrastructure projects and assist in making elections more secure.

TW: How will the Legislature handle the large tech issues of AI, automated vehicles and blockchain?

Calderon: We will proceed cautiously but optimistically on these issues. We will be cautious in approaching new technology but also optimistic in how it has the potential to improve our lives in the future.

TW: How might the Legislature use tech to address immigration, emergency or water conservation issues?

Calderon: We continue to be supportive of immigration reform on a federal level. On water conservation and emergency preparedness, we have to make sure we are better prepared for future droughts and other emergencies. Technological developments and innovation will absolutely play a critical role in how we address those issues.