UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2026:
Maryland has significantly expanded its responsible AI program beyond the initial executive order. In January 2025, the AI Subcabinet and Department of Information Technology (DoIT) submitted the Maryland AI Enablement Strategy & AI Study Roadmap to the General Assembly. The roadmap outlines a five-part strategy covering 12 priority domains, including workforce development, public safety, critical infrastructure, and economic growth. It formalizes AI governance processes, strengthens data foundations, and supports agency experimentation through structured pilots and proof-of-concept programs.
The Executive Order 01.01.2024.01 now operates alongside Maryland’s AI Governance Act (SB 818), which provides statutory backing for oversight, reporting, and structured AI evaluation across state agencies. Throughout 2025, Maryland focused on controlled AI deployments, workforce upskilling initiatives, and the integration of generative AI tools designed to augment — not replace — state employees.
In January 2026, DoIT issued updated Responsible AI Policy Implementation Guidance, described as a living framework that will evolve alongside technological and regulatory developments. The state continues to emphasize privacy-first infrastructure, risk-based assessment, continuous monitoring, and workforce AI literacy training.
Maryland now stands as one of the most structured state-level AI governance models in the United States, combining executive action, legislative support, operational pilots, and formal implementation guidance.
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:
- Secretary of Information Technology (Chair)
- Secretary of Budget and Management
- Secretary of General Services
- Secretary of Labor
- Secretary of Commerce
- Chief Privacy Officer
- Chief Data Officer
- Director of Homeland Security
- 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.
