Maine is urging a proactive, whole-of-state approach to artificial intelligence, recommending new policies, investments, and public safeguards as AI accelerates into every sector of the economy, according to a comprehensive report delivered to Governor Janet Mills by the Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force.
The report — the result of a ten-month process involving 12 public meetings, expert testimony, and statewide public comment — makes clear that Maine sees artificial intelligence not as a passing trend, but as a “transformative force” that will reshape how residents learn, work, receive healthcare, and interact with government. The Task Force warns that planning now is critical if Maine wants to capture economic opportunities while protecting residents from emerging harms.
The report outlines three main directives: prepare Maine’s economy and workforce for AI, protect residents from harmful uses of AI, and explore how state and local governments can use the technology to improve public services.
To strengthen the economy, the Task Force recommends expanding support for AI-enabled startups, increasing cybersecurity assistance for small businesses, improving access to high-performance computing, and ensuring broadband and energy infrastructure can support AI adoption statewide. The report says AI could help Maine businesses boost productivity, streamline operations, and expand into new markets — but many lack the expertise or resources to adopt it responsibly.
On workforce impacts, the Task Force cautions that AI may significantly change job tasks and disrupt employment in certain sectors. It calls for real-time labor market monitoring and expanded training so workers can adapt as job requirements evolve. The report highlights that fewer than one in eight workers nationally has received any AI training.
Education and health systems are identified as sectors where Maine could lead. The report urges statewide AI literacy for students and educators, safeguards to protect kids’ well-being and privacy, and new teacher preparation requirements so incoming educators are ready to teach and work with AI.
In healthcare, the Task Force argues that Maine is uniquely positioned to become a national hub for AI-driven rural health innovation, citing opportunities for AI-powered diagnostics, remote patient monitoring, and documentation tools that reduce provider burnout.
Finally, the report urges lawmakers to put guardrails in place — including consumer data protections, transparency requirements, and monitoring of emerging AI harms such as deepfakes and fraud — while keeping regulation flexible enough to support innovation.
“Planning now will allow Maine to be proactive rather than reactive,” the co-chairs wrote, calling the report “a foundation upon which future leaders… can continue to build.”
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