On August 9th, 2024, Bússola Tech convened a panel discussion titled "Balancing Innovation, Trust, and the Limits of AI in the Legislative Process." This session sought to examine the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modernizing legislative workflows while maintaining the core values of trust, transparency, and adherence to procedural frameworks.

Moderated by Mr. Luís Kimaid, the Executive-Director from Bússola Tech, the panel featured esteemed participants: Mr. Jason Smith, the House Parliamentarian from the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Jonathan Ruckert, CEO of NovaWorks Australia, and Mr. Eric Janse, the Clerk of the House of Commons of Canada.

The session opened with each participant delivering a brief introduction, setting the stage for a deep dive into the various aspects of AI's integration into legislative processes. The discussion was structured into three rounds, each addressing a key theme.

In the first round, the panelists explored the potential of AI to enhance accuracy and trust within legislative operations. They discussed how AI could be leveraged to uphold principles such as public participation, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making, while also examining the challenges involved in aligning AI with existing legal and procedural frameworks.

The second round focused on the application of AI in procedural advisement, particularly in areas like legislative precedents and procedural research. The panelists debated the possibilities offered by Generative Artificial Intelligence to assist in providing accurate procedural advice, while also considering the necessary boundaries to ensure AI's responsible use.

The third round shifted the conversation to the practical implications of integrating AI into legislative workflows. The speakers shared insights on the adaptations needed within their respective offices to effectively incorporate AI tools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and accuracy as AI becomes more embedded in procedural tasks.

The session concluded with final reflections from each speaker, underscoring the importance of a balanced approach to AI integration—one that fosters innovation while preserving the integrity of the legislative process. The discussion highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration and dialogue among legislative bodies to navigate the evolving landscape of AI responsibly and effectively.