House Passes AI/Election Legislation

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BOSTON — The House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation on Wednesday to address election-related deceptive media and safeguard election integrity, one of which was filed by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.  
 
H.5093, An Act to protect against election misinformation, filed by Farley-Bouvier, safeguards election integrity by prohibiting the distribution of AI-generated and materially deceptive election-related communications within 90 days of an election with the intent to disinform voters or defame candidates. 
 
These tactics have already been used to suppress voter turnout and damage candidates' reputations in elections across the country, she said. This bill ensures the Commonwealth's election laws keep pace with how emerging technologies can be intentionally used to threaten informed participation in our elections, while allowing for satire, parody, and legitimate news coverage.  
 
"The use of AI-generated deepfakes for the purposes of manipulating voters and disrupting elections is an attack on democracy," said Farley-Bouvier, House chair on the Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. "As technology advances at a rapid pace, voters should not have to wade through maliciously altered or AI-generated content to get the facts about an election. The House is taking reasonable and timely steps to mitigate any possible negative outcomes and preserve election integrity."
 
H.5094,  Act enhancing disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising, filed by state Rep. Brad Jones, requires that political candidates, PACs, political parties, and campaigns disclose when images or audio communications they paid for include material substantially generated or altered by AI.  
 
Both pieces of legislation now go to the Senate for consideration.  

Tags: artificial intelligence,   Farley-Bouvier,   legislation,   

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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