Despite proactive planning, GenAI adoption across Alabama’s state agencies is relatively limited. Of the 139 responding agencies, 104 reported no current use of GenAI products or services. However, those that did indicate they are using 108 GenAI products from 72 different vendors, with hosting platforms ranging from on-premises solutions to cloud providers.
After holding meetings and 20 working group sessions last year, and conducting an extensive inventory review of GenAI use across state agencies, the task force submitted its final report to Ivey for review Nov. 30; it was publicly released Tuesday.
The report outlines a series of strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight, enhancing security and ensuring the ethical adoption of GenAI technology across state agencies.
The task force highlighted the need for a standardized framework to guide future GenAI integration. In its report, the task force recommended adoption of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework (RMF) 1.0 — or future versions — as the guiding standard for all GenAI systems used by state agencies.
The task force also recommended establishing a Technology Quality Assurance Board to create GenAI oversight. This board would monitor the development, deployment and use of GenAI systems across agencies, and be responsible for compiling a list of pre-approved GenAI tools to make sure all systems meet security and performance requirements.
The report focused on the creation of procurement guidelines specific to GenAI products as well, with recommended policies requiring vendors to disclose technical specifications, including details on their models’ training and security practices. Additionally, vendors would need to meet NIST AI RMF standards and supplementary security requirements before contracts are awarded.
In the area of GenAI adoption in the workforce, the task force’s findings suggested implementing a comprehensive GenAI training program for Alabama state employees. This would include separate modules on GenAI fundamentals, technology usage, ethical considerations, data security and bias mitigation. The report also stressed the importance of regularly updating the training content to reflect any changes or advancements over time.
Additionally, the task force’s report emphasized the importance of securing data when using GenAI products. The group proposed a data readiness checklist to validate the quality, security and governance of data used in GenAI models. This, it said, could detect bias and help formulate security reviews, to prevent data manipulation.
The group also recommended the state develop and implement a data classification matrix for agencies to categorize data based on sensitivity, security risks and the potential for bias in GenAI applications. Alongside this, they proposed establishing a GenAI accountability framework tailored for state use, to promote responsible deployment and oversight.
The task force’s overall plans point to prioritization of internal oversight over in-depth state legislation, with the report advising against drafting specific state laws governing the technology at this juncture — instead recommending governance strategies at the state and agency levels. These include adopting clear policies before implementing GenAI products, defining standardized terminology and conducting regular audits.
The GenAI task force was originally established byExecutive Order 738 in early 2024 and includes members of Ivey’s cabinet, the Alabama state Legislature and representatives from higher education. It is chaired by Daniel Urquhart, secretary of the Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT). He expressed confidence the final report will be a valuable resource for state leaders as they navigate GenAI-related decisions.
“Through the GenAI final report, I strongly believe the task force has provided an effective tool that will aid our state leaders in the consequential GenAI-centered discussions and decisions that lie ahead,” he said via email. “OIT stands ready to support all such initiatives now and in the future.”
Urquhart said he hopes the GenAI task force report will be a useful resource not just for the governor’s office, but the Alabama Legislature as well, as a consideration of how Alabama’s executive branch agencies can utilize GenAI technology to help streamline operational processes and improve service delivery.
Ivey praised the task force’s efforts in a statement, highlighting Alabama’s focus on moral and ethical uses of AI.
“From big businesses moving to Alabama to rebuilding infrastructure and cutting-edge research, Alabama is staying on top of the game and will continue to be an industry leader, especially in the ethical use of artificial intelligence,” she said.
