Alabama’s Task Force on Generative Artificial Intelligence recently released a framework to guide AI adoption across state agencies, offering a clear example of how states can shape AI policy. Lawmakers in states including Alaska, Illinois and West Virginia are considering legislation to form or affirm AI task forces to examine the technology’s impact on jobs, cybersecurity and public services.
ALASKA
One of the task force’s primary responsibilities would be to review AI’s potential applications in data management, public service delivery and decision-making processes. The group would also be tasked with assessing economic opportunities around the development of AI, including “the establishment and operation of data centers and technology hubs.”
Its duties would include investigating ethical, legal and privacy concerns around AI usage in the public and private sectors, and looking at its workforce implications, including “the need for training programs and education initiatives” to upskill Alaskans.
The resolution acknowledges potential concerns with AI’s expanding role in public service systems, including data privacy risks, algorithmic transparency and potential biases in automated decision-making.
The force would consist of seven appointed members, including legislators from both chambers, and would develop long-term policy recommendations such as a strategic plan for fostering “artificial intelligence innovation.” Its report would be due by Jan. 31, 2026, and the task force would dissolve Feb. 2, 2026.
The resolution is currently being reviewed by the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee, where it was heard Tuesday. A similar piece of legislation, state Senate Bill No. 262 introduced in April 2024, would have stood up a state AI task force in the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development — but never made it out of committee.
ILLINOIS
The state’s Generative AI and Natural Language Processing Task Force delivered its required report in December. A new piece of legislation, House Bill 3646, would amend the Department of Innovation and Technology Act to formalize the task force in state code.
HB 3646 would enable the force to meet “as frequently as necessary to carry out its duties” and would require “periodic reports” to the governor and the General Assembly on its “investigation into generative artificial intelligence software and natural language processing software.” Previously, the act had required the task force to hold at least five public meetings with virtual participation and to report out by Dec. 31.
The task force’s other responsibilities, which include “recommending legislation or regulations to protect consumer information as it relates to generative artificial intelligence” (GenAI) and recommending “model policies for schools” to address students’ GenAI use in the classroom, are unchanged.
The bill cleared the House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and IT Committee March 20 and is eligible to be voted on by the full House.
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia’s HB 3187 takes a similar tack. The bill would expand the role of the West Virginia Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, amending state code to require it to identify “economic opportunities related to AI that the state may support or promote,” per the text.
The bill would further empower the task force to consider other topics around AI that could come out of testimony or reports it receives from members, guests or residents.
HB 3187 would extend the task force’s lifespan to July 2027, and mandate it submit a report yearly to state leadership by July 1. It cleared the House and is now up for consideration by the state Senate Economic Development Committee.
