FPF Testifies on Automated Decision System Legislation in California

Last week, on April 8, 2021, FPF’s Dr. Sara Jordan testified before the California House Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection on AB-13 (Public contracts: automated decision systems). The legislation passed out of committee (9 Ayes, 0 Noes) and was re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations. The bill would regulate state procurement, use, and development of high-risk automated decision systems by requiring prospective contractors to conduct automated decision system impact assessments. 

At the hearing, Dr. Jordan commented as an expert witness alongside Vinhcent Le, who represented The Greenlining Institute. Dr. Jordan commended the sponsors for amending the definition of “automated decisionmaking” to account for the wide range of technical complexity in automated systems. In addition, Dr. Jordan testified that the government contract stage is an appropriate stage for the introduction of algorithmic impact assessments for high-risk applications of automated decisionmaking. This would allow authorities in California to evaluate technology before it is implemented using transparent and actionable assessment criteria.