SB 398: Department of Technology: advanced technology: research.

Existing law establishes the Department of Technology, within the Government Operations Agency, under the supervision of the Director of Technology. Existing law requires the director to, among other things, provide technology direction to agency and department chief information officers to ensure the integration of statewide technology initiatives, compliance with information technology policies and standards, and the promotion of the alignment and effective management of information technology services. Under existing law, the department is responsible for the approval and oversight of information technology projects. Existing law requires the department to submit various reports to the Legislature, including an annual information technology strategic plan that guides the acquisition, management, and use of information technology by state agencies.

This bill, the Government Services Advanced Technology Act, Artificial Intelligence for California Research Act, would require the Department of Justice, Technology, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to develop and implement a comprehensive research plan to study the feasibility of using advanced technology to improve state and local government services. The bill would require the research plan to include, among other things, an analysis of the potential benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence technology to assist disaster victims in finding and applying for disaster relief funds and to assist individuals in determining their eligibility for various public benefits programs. in government services, as specified. The bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2026, to provide a report to the Legislature on the findings of its research.