House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has launched an investigation into Delaware's proposal to allow companies to be run by artificial intelligence agents. In a letter to Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, Comer expressed concerns that the plan, known as the Artificial Intelligence Company (AIC), could shield AI firms and their investors from liability for harmful actions. He requested documents and communications related to the AIC's development by November 9.
Delaware officials argue that the AIC framework would create a supervised regulatory sandbox for AI agents, making them accountable within a controlled environment. Draft legislation is expected to be introduced next year. The proposal, unveiled by Delaware Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez and John Nay, CEO of Norm Ai, aims to provide a legal identity for autonomous systems, making their conduct 'visible, traceable, and accountable.'
Critics, including legal scholars, question the plan's effectiveness in managing potential risks. Christopher Bruner, a business law professor at the University of Georgia, noted the lack of an overarching regulatory plan for AI-governed companies. Patibanda-Sanchez and Meyer have defended the initiative, emphasizing the need to address the inevitable rise of AI-driven enterprises.
The House Oversight Committee's investigation seeks to uncover the role of private-sector contributors and assess safety risks associated with the AIC proposal. The information gathered could inform federal legislation aimed at regulating state AI initiatives.