HARRISBURG – The Senate Labor and Industry Committee approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sens. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia and Montgomery) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) to study how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy.
Senate Bill 293 would direct the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development to conduct a comprehensive study on how AI is expected to impact various industries across the commonwealth.
“We’re seeing real fear and uncertainty about what it means to bring artificial intelligence into our workplaces. If Pennsylvania leaders are going to be prepared for the ways this powerful technology will impact our lives and how we work, we need to fully understand what’s coming,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “This impact report will give us insight into how artificial intelligence will both enhance and disrupt Pennsylvania’s economy. We will be better able to prepare and protect Pennsylvanians with this information.”
The report will identify which sectors are most likely to see job enhancement or displacement, analyze which workers are most affected, and recommend strategies to help Pennsylvanians adapt to the evolving economy.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction, it’s here and already changing how we work,” Phillips-Hill said. “This legislation ensures Pennsylvania is not caught flat-footed. By understanding where and how these changes are happening, we can better prepare our workforce and strengthen our economy.”
The study will also examine the skills and training needed for workers to succeed in an AI-driven economy, providing recommendations to support worker transitions, and ensure that Pennsylvania’s workforce remains competitive and resilient.
The report would be delivered to the General Assembly within one year of the bill becoming law. The measure now moves to the full Senate for consideration.