LITTLE ROCK, Ark — On Wednesday, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders launched a working group that's intended to "study and offer recommendations" as to how artificial intelligence (AI) can be safely used within state government.
The governor emphasized the growing presence of AI and acknowledged that she believes that it's "transforming the face of business in America." She followed up, saying that she believes AI can play a significant role in Arkansas and its state government if used within certain parameters.
"As we work to find efficiencies within state government, AI can play a role, with appropriate guardrails, in improving our level of service to Arkansans while keeping costs low," Gov. Sanders said. "At the same time, we must prevent the misuse of AI to protect Arkansans. This working group will build the knowledge base we need to achieve those goals safely.”
The working group that Gov. Sanders has developed will be established through a subcommittee of the Data and Transparency Panel (DTP) and will be chaired by Arkansas' Chief Data Officer, Robert McGough.
Together, this group — which is being referred to as the AI & Analytics Center of Excellence (AI CoE) — will study, access, and provide different recommendations for AI practices in Arkansas. This includes offering suggestions on policies, guidelines, and best practices for how the state can utilize AI ethically, effectively, and in the safest way possible.
Additionally, the AI CoE will also review and evaluate different pilot projects. Through this, it's hoped that the group can encourage learning about AI and the potential risks behind its usage.
As it stands, the AI CoE will only exist for a single year from the date of establishment — this is the case unless Gov. Sanders decides to extends or terminate the project.
The group will meet each month and the AI CoE will provide an initial report of their work to Gov. Sanders by December 15, 2024. This report will include the latest on their progress of its pilot use cases and proof-of-concept projects, focusing on efficiencies, cost savings, safety, and economic development.
