This Week in Government Technology – July 14th-21st, 2024

This week’s highlights delve into the transformative efforts of state and local governments to leverage AI to enhance public services and governance. New York set a precedent with the passage of the Legislative Oversight of Automated Decision-making in Government Act (LOADinG Act), aiming to establish stringent AI controls within state agencies. South Carolina unveils its comprehensive AI strategy focused on predictive analysis and improved resident services, while Illinois partners with Google to launch the BEACON portal, streamlining youth mental health services. Additionally, the NewDeal Forum introduces a new task force to explore AI’s potential in improving government services and ensuring ethical use. These initiatives underscore the significant strides being made to integrate AI responsibly and effectively in public sector operations.

New York State Sets Precedent with Stricter AI Controls in Government Agencies

New York state lawmakers have passed the Legislative Oversight of Automated Decision-making in Government Act (LOADinG Act). This pioneering bill imposes stringent controls on using artificial intelligence within state agencies. If signed by the governor, the bill will mandate public disclosure of AI use in decision-making processes, require direct human oversight, and prohibit replacing government workers with AI systems. Additionally, state agencies must report their AI usage biennially and obtain approval before implementing automated decision-making systems. This legislation marks New York as the first state to enforce rigorous AI regulations in its operations.

Generative AI’s Impact and Risks for State and Local Governments

Generative AI is streamlining procurement processes in state and local governments, significantly reducing the time required for tasks that previously took months or years. States like Idaho and cities such as Murray, Utah, are seeing early successes in using AI to expedite procurement, but not without facing risks. These include cybersecurity threats, potential biases, and compliance challenges. Efforts are underway to address these concerns, including forming AI advisory councils and policy frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical use of AI in procurement.

South Carolina Unveils Comprehensive AI Strategy for State Services

South Carolina has unveiled its Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a comprehensive 17-page plan detailing how state agencies will leverage AI for predictive analysis, improved resident services, and workforce development. Developed by the state’s chief information and security officers in collaboration with the Department of Administration and leaders from ten other agencies, the strategy focuses on protecting, promoting, and pursuing AI technologies. Key elements include ensuring data security, ethical AI use, and enhancing accessibility of city services. The plan also emphasizes workforce training and decision support, with an advisory group and center of excellence to guide AI implementation and evaluate projects.

Illinois and Google Partner to Launch AI-Driven Youth Mental Health Portal

Illinois has partnered with Google Public Sector to launch the BEACON portal, a centralized platform designed to streamline access to youth mental health services and improve interagency collaboration. This initiative is part of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and aims to address the rising mental health challenges among youth. The portal, developed with input from parents and agency representatives, includes document uploads and user-friendly consent forms to facilitate data sharing. The phased rollout will begin with select users and expand to the public, enhancing service efficiency and reducing stress for families seeking mental health resources.

Nonprofit Launches Task Force for Ethical AI Use in Government

The NewDeal Forum, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., has created a new task force comprising state and local officials and subject matter experts to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing government services. This task force will focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness in public services, establishing responsible AI usage guidelines, and addressing AI’s impact on elections, including combating deepfakes. Inspired by President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, the group aims to ensure that AI technologies are used ethically and equitably, guiding local officials in developing responsible AI deployment plans.