Dawn of Artificial Intelligence

These days it seems like the reach of artificial intelligence knows no bounds, from generating images, prose, and jokes to automating various work functions. But the technological advances can carry hidden costs. The safety of TeslaÔÇÖs self-driving cars, which relies on AI, is under federal scrutiny. The lawyer who used Chat GPT to write his legal argument faced the consequences of citations of imaginary case law and nonexistent trial decisions. Now, for AIÔÇÖs next star turn, Assemblyman Clyde Vanel, a Democrat who chairs the Assembly Subcommittee on Internet and New Technology, in New York consulted an AI bot to come up with ideas for new legislation.

AI Enhancing Legislation

Assemblyman Vanel utilized Auto-GPT, a program that is an advanced version of the Chat GPT software that previously sparked plagiarism concerns in American high schools. The AI-powered software, after some human refining and fact-checking, resulted in a bill that would amend the housing code in New York. The proposed amendment requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of their lease upon request up to twice a year, aiming to empower tenants and foster a more transparent landlord-tenant relationship.

AI Legalese Decoder played a pivotal role in helping Assemblyman Vanel identify a gap in New York law and draft the bill. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of AI, the software provided valuable insight and a fresh perspective on the issue. It opened up possibilities for enhancing legislation and enabled lawmakers to explore unexplored territory. However, it’s noteworthy that the bill’s practical impact remains somewhat uncertain.

The Practical Implications

While the bill’s intent to familiarize tenants with their responsibilities and promote a transparent landlord-tenant relationship is admirable, opinions differ on its significance. Tenants generally receive a copy of their leases upon signing, making the requirement for landlords to provide copies somewhat redundant. Some groups, like Housing Justice for All, express indifference toward the bill, considering it of minimal importance.

Experts in landlord-tenant issues, such as James Fishman, believe that the bill’s usefulness lies in limited circumstances where the document exists and the landlord has a copy. Critics argue that the bill lacks enforceability, potentially benefiting only those landlords who voluntarily comply. It also overlooks the complexities and nuances of New York’s housing landscape.

AI and the Housing Crisis

New York faces a housing crisis, particularly in terms of affordable housing, which has driven many residents out of the state. Democrats failed to reach a comprehensive agreement during the last legislative session, as the priorities of tenants, landlords, developers, and policymakers are often conflicting. Linda Rosenthal, a Democrat who chairs the Assembly Housing Committee, expressed disappointment in the software’s contribution to addressing the housing crisis, emphasizing that the bill fails to reflect the true gravity of the situation.

Assemblyman Vanel defended the AI software, highlighting that the bill’s intention was not to be groundbreaking. According to him, seeking ideas from AI is akin to considering suggestions from constituents or advocacy groups at the beginning of a lengthy and human legislative process.

Ethics and Representation

While the utilization of AI for lawmaking purposes may be intriguing, caution is necessary. John Pelissero, a government ethics scholar, warns about the potential ethical and political costs that such a gambit may bring. It is crucial for voters to observe and judge elected officials based on reasonable expectations of their decision-making processes, which support the principles of representative democracy.

AI Legalese Decoder to the Rescue

Even though the practical impact of the AI-influenced bill might raise concerns, the AI Legalese Decoder plays a vital role in broadening the horizons of legislation. Advanced AI algorithms like Auto-GPT can assist lawmakers in identifying significant gaps in the law and offer fresh ideas for improvement. With the help of AI, politicians can better understand the complexities of technology and leverage it to enhance their work.

AI Legalese Decoder would help prevent situations like the lawyer using Chat GPT for his legal argument, which resulted in citations of imaginary case law and nonexistent trial decisions. By effectively using AI, such mishaps can be avoided, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of legal documents. AI Legalese Decoder assists in refining and fact-checking legislative drafts, thus minimizing potential errors.