Sen. Tim Mathern believes the state should spend less money on imprisoning people and more on resources that would strengthen social safety nets.

Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, speaks on the Senate floor during the organizational session on Dec. 4, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Lipps case is spurring reactions from state lawmakers, some of whom believe the role that A.I. plays in law enforcement should be considered.

The ACLU has also spoken about this issue.

They say that false identifications from facial recognition technology like the kind used by the Fargo Police Department has led to people across the United States being arrested for crimes they did not commit.

State Senator Tim Mathern says that Lipps’ case is heartbreaking and causes him to consider the plight of others behind bars.

“To me, this cries out for an audit about who all we have incarcerated,” he said. “I believe we have many more than really need to be in jail or in prison.”

No word yet on if either body of the North Dakota State Legislature would consider taking up legislation to restrict the use of artificial intelligence in law enforcement operations.