Experts continue to deliberate the best path forward for AI regulation as it gains ground in the public-sector tech space. And while the executive order signed by President Joe Biden in October 2023 was a step forward for federal AI governance, state and local governments are charging forward with their own policies and guidelines.
The resource, titled "Your AI Blueprint," is a three-page document offering 12 key considerations to guide states through the process of developing a road map for AI for 2024 and onward.
“These 12 considerations cover a lot of ground while still leaving room for your state’s unique needs,” said Amy Glasscock, NASCIO program director for innovation and emerging issues, in the announcement. “And let’s face it: 2023 was the year of AI revolution, but our goal is that 2024 will be all about AI governance.”
The resource was created to support states as they update policies and plans in the wake of the sudden, mass availability of generative AI and large language models.
The resource’s first consideration for states is to align AI initiatives to the organization’s strategic drivers. Then, it suggests establishing a process for governance and oversight and documenting the existing inventory of AI applications in use. Addressing data quality and data sources is also recommended to help states reduce the risk of bias.
The blueprint also recommends that governments collaborate with industry partners, and that they assess privacy and cybersecurity risks related to AI adoption. In addition, the resource states that governments should assess the current state of infrastructure and legacy technology before creating acquisition and development guidelines for best practices in procurement.
NASCIO recommends that states identify potential use cases for AI while also expanding workforce training around the technology and establishing guidelines for responsible use and transparency. Finally, it states that state governments should have clear metrics to measure and communicate progress.
The blueprint also offers other resources to help guide states in this work, including a collection of state executive orders on AI, state generative AI policies and more.
