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2017 SESSION

17103569D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 615
Offered January 11, 2017
Prefiled January 7, 2017
Directing the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to study robots, automation, and artificial intelligence. Report.
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Patron-- Marshall, R.G.
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, technology related to the use of robots and automation and the development of artificial intelligence is quickly advancing and becoming ingrained in the economy; and

WHEREAS, the use of robots, automation, and artificial intelligence has been adopted in the manufacturing, health care, and automotive industries, as well as in areas such as marketing, security surveillance, and customer support; and

WHEREAS, robots, automation, and artificial intelligence offer the potential of improved efficiency and cost savings, but also have the potential to create mass unemployment as automation replaces the human workforce in many sectors; and

WHEREAS, some researchers estimate that as many as 47 percent of jobs in the United States could be automated in the next two decades; and

WHEREAS, the use of automation, robots, and artificial intelligence will have an impact on the modern workforce similar to that of the 19th-century industrial revolution on the agricultural workforce; and

WHEREAS, the greatest impact of the loss of jobs in the United States will likely be felt by those holding and seeking middle-skilled jobs; and

WHEREAS, opportunities exist to use this technological revolution to encourage entrepreneurship and new economies; and

WHEREAS, the government has a significant role to play in not only understanding the opportunities created by the use of robots, automation, and artificial intelligence but also proactively working to avoid a displaced workforce and ensuring that citizens of the Commonwealth have opportunities to access training and education in a new technology-based economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Joint Commission on Technology and Science be directed to study robots, automation, and artificial intelligence. The Joint Commission on Technology and Science shall review the opportunities and challenges presented by the adoption of robots, automation, and artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on the economic impact of the use of robots, automation, and artificial intelligence, potential issues related to unemployment and displaced work, changing workforce needs, and the development of educational opportunities in the Commonwealth.

In conducting its study, the Joint Commission on Technology and Science shall appoint an advisory committee consisting of representatives from the manufacturing, technology, unmanned systems, and health care industries; K-12 schools, community colleges, and four-year institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth; the Virginia Employment Commission; economists; and any other individuals deemed essential to the study.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Joint Commission on Technology and Science for this study, upon request.

The Joint Commission on Technology and Science shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2017, and the chairman shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2018 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall state whether the Joint Commission on Technology and Science intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.