UPDATE — SEPTEMBER 2025:
Since NJ’s AI Task Force Report was delivered to Governor Phil Murphy, the state has moved into an implementation phase.
The Civil Service Commission has begun integrating AI literacy into standard professional development across agencies. Meanwhile, the NJ AI Assistant, initially an internal sandbox, has seen tens of thousands of uses in 2025. It’s now being piloted in public-facing services at agencies to reduce wait times and speed up responses.
Education and workforce initiatives have gained traction, with the Department of Education awarding new AI Education Grants to expand Career and Technical Education programs. The My Career NJ platform, connected to NJ Career Navigator, has been upgraded with more sophisticated AI-powered job recommendations. Pilot reskilling programs for low-income and displaced workers have added apprenticeships and short courses in partnership with state universities.
On the equity front, the Division on Civil Rights is preparing draft guidance clarifying how state discrimination laws apply to AI, while Rutgers-Newark and NJIT are leading new research partnerships focused on AI ethics and bias. Minority-Serving Institutions are also receiving expanded support to participate in AI research.
Innovation efforts are accelerating. The Princeton–NJ AI Hub has begun hosting industry roundtables, and the New Jersey AI Innovation Challenge launched in mid-2025 to fund startups developing solutions for public health, transportation, and environmental challenges. Updates to the Next New Jersey Program have also broadened AI-related tax credits.
Governance is being reinforced through the creation of a standing AI Advisory Committee, which now meets quarterly to align state efforts with federal developments, including NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework and federal executive orders on AI.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
New Jersey Launches Bold Initiative to Lead in Ethical and Innovative AI Adoption
New Jersey’s AI Task Force has released its “Report to the Governor on Artificial Intelligence,” outlining a statewide strategy for responsible AI adoption across government, education, and the economy. The report was developed under Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 346 and reflects months of collaboration among state agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders.
The Task Force focused on generative artificial intelligence, a rapidly advancing technology capable of producing text, images, and other content. Its recommendations aim to position New Jersey as a national leader in ethical AI deployment while protecting equity, privacy, and public trust.
The report organizes its findings around four core priorities: security and privacy, workforce development, equity in AI use, and innovation-driven economic growth.
Security, Privacy, and Governance
The Task Force emphasizes that AI adoption must include strong safeguards. It recommends maintaining human oversight in AI systems, embedding privacy protections throughout system design, and applying rigorous testing before deployment.
To manage risk, the report promotes a phased “test-and-learn” approach. Agencies are encouraged to evaluate AI tools in controlled settings before expanding their use. Quality assurance and accountability mechanisms are identified as essential to responsible AI governance.
Workforce Training and the Future of Jobs
Preparing workers for AI-driven change is a central theme of the report. The Task Force calls for expanded AI literacy across K–12 education, higher education, and workforce training programs.
One major recommendation involves modernizing the NJ Career Navigator platform using AI tools to deliver real-time labor market insights and personalized career guidance. The report also highlights investments in reskilling initiatives for low-income and displaced workers, along with support for small businesses adopting generative AI technologies.
Equity and Digital Literacy
The Task Force warns that AI can worsen existing inequalities if deployed without safeguards. To address this risk, the report recommends targeted AI literacy programs in underserved communities and clearer guidance to prevent algorithmic discrimination.
It also encourages greater diversity in AI development and research. Engaging minority-serving institutions in AI initiatives is highlighted as a way to ensure broader participation and more equitable outcomes.
Building an AI Innovation Hub
To strengthen New Jersey’s position as an AI innovation hub, the report outlines strategies to attract investment and retain talent. These include tax incentives, marketing initiatives, and partnerships with leading institutions such as Princeton University.
Programs like the New Jersey Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence are designed to keep skilled professionals in the state. The Task Force also proposes an AI Innovation Challenge to support startups developing AI solutions aligned with public policy goals.
Early Implementation and Ongoing Risks
New Jersey has already begun implementing several recommendations. More than 9,000 state employees have completed training in responsible AI use. Tools such as the NJ AI Assistant are improving productivity across agencies, while pilot programs are testing AI applications in education, legal services, and environmental management.
Despite these advances, the Task Force underscores ongoing risks, including privacy violations, bias, and cybersecurity threats. It calls for continuous evaluation and adaptive policymaking as AI technologies evolve.
The report concludes that responsible AI leadership requires both innovation and restraint. New Jersey’s approach seeks to balance technological progress with strong governance, transparency, and public accountability.
Need Help?
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