UPDATE – JUNE 2025: Governor Wes Moore’s Executive Order 01.01.2024.01 has become a cornerstone of Maryland’s responsible AI strategy. Since its launch in January 2024, the AI Subcabinet has worked to upskill the workforce, test AI tools in secure settings, and build privacy-first infrastructure. Maryland now ranks among the most proactive U.S. states in deploying ethical, responsible AI across government operations.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
Maryland Governor Issues Executive Order to Promote Responsible Use of AI
While federal agencies in the United States continue to make headway under President Joe Biden’s executive order, one state has issued an executive order of its own. On January 8, Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order aimed at catalyzing the responsible and productive use of AI in the state government. The order recognizes AI’s transformative impact, emphasizing the importance of ethical, beneficial, and trustworthy deployment. It outlines specific objectives, including the promotion of AI knowledge within state agencies, the identification of use cases, and the establishment of secure infrastructure for AI trials.
Grounded in Principles: Ethics, Equity, and Privacy
The order lays out essential principles to guide AI deployment. These include fairness, equity, innovation, privacy, safety, transparency, and accountability. It warns of risks from biased systems and encourages efforts to use AI to improve public services.
Privacy remains central. The order requires that all AI-related data collection and use must comply with existing laws and protect individual rights.
AI Subcabinet to Lead Implementation
To coordinate the rollout, the Governor established an AI Subcabinet. The group includes top officials from state departments, including:
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Secretary of Information Technology (Chair)
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Secretary of Budget and Management
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Secretary of General Services
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Secretary of Labor
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Secretary of Commerce
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Chief Privacy Officer
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Chief Data Officer
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Director of Homeland Security
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Senior Advisor for Responsible AI
The Subcabinet may create working groups within member agencies to support its duties. It will focus on workforce development, economic strategy, and security as AI expands across government functions.
A Phased Action Plan for Responsible AI
The order also calls for a comprehensive, phased action plan. This plan will turn the state’s AI principles into practice. It will ensure that procured tools align with ethical guidelines and embed risk-based assessments into every stage of adoption. The state also plans to implement continuous monitoring of AI systems to reinforce accountability.
Need Help?
If you’re wondering how this executive order and other regulations could impact your company, consider seeking guidance from BABL AI. Their team of Audit Experts possesses specialized knowledge and can address any questions or concerns you may have.
