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. 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 Artificial Intelligence for California Research Act, would require the Department of 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 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.