Gov. Kotek signed the order Nov. 28, following in the footsteps of at least a half a dozen other states where governors have used their executive power to mandate some kind of AI action plan.
“Artificial intelligence is an important new frontier, bringing the potential for substantial benefits to our society, as well as risks we must prepare for,” Kotek said. “This rapidly developing technological landscape leads to questions that we must take head on, including concerns regarding ethics, privacy, equity, security and social change. It has never been more essential to ensure the safe and beneficial use of artificial intelligence — and I look forward to seeing the work this council produces. We want to continue to foster an environment for innovation while also protecting individual and civil rights.”
Specifically the council will be examining how AI can support state employees with information needed for decision-making, as well as create clear usage policies that outline the acceptable use of AI tools; provide transparency; and uplift diversity, equity and inclusion while protecting sensitive information.
The order mandates that the AI Advisory Council will be chaired by the Oregon CIO, a role currently held by Terrence Woods. The council is limited to 15 people, and will include IT, AI, racial justice and cultural change representatives appointed by Gov. Kotek, as well as others appointed by the speaker of the House, president of the Senate, representatives within Oregon’s Enterprise Information Services, the Department of Administration's cultural change director and the governor’s Racial Justice Council.
