Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced the finalization of the State Government Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Council’s Final Recommended Action Plan, marking a significant step toward responsible AI adoption within the state’s government. Approved by the AI Advisory Council, the plan outlines executive actions to establish governance structures, enhance security and privacy protections, and prepare the workforce for the growing role of AI in public services.
“We cannot ignore the rapid growth of AI in our lives. It is incumbent on government to ensure new technology is used responsibly, ethically, and securely,” Governor Kotek said. “Thank you to members of the AI Advisory Council for your hard work to help us harness this new technology to further our goal of making Oregonians’ lives better.”
The advisory council, formed under Executive Order 23-26 in late 2023, worked over the past year to develop guiding principles and recommendations for AI use in state government. The plan identifies five key executive actions, including:
- Establishing a cross-functional AI governance framework that prioritizes human oversight, ethical considerations, and transparency.
- Addressing privacy concerns by introducing comprehensive privacy impact assessments and new policies to protect personal data.
- Enhancing AI-specific security frameworks, including incident response strategies and risk management protocols.
- Developing a reference architecture for acquiring, testing, and auditing AI systems in public services.
- Investing in workforce development programs to ensure state employees are prepared to work alongside AI tools effectively.
Oregon Chief Information Officer Terrence Woods, who chaired the advisory council, emphasized that the plan aligns with the state’s core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “After months of public meetings, subcommittee work, and stakeholder engagement, the council has delivered a comprehensive AI action plan,” Woods said.
The recommendations build upon existing AI governance models and global best practices, including principles outlined by the White House AI Bill of Rights, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the European Union’s AI frameworks. The plan also acknowledges the ethical and environmental implications of AI, emphasizing the need for oversight in state agencies’ AI adoption.
Next steps include submitting the plan to the Oregon legislature and implementing early-stage governance and security measures. The state will also launch workforce training initiatives and collaborate with academic institutions and industry partners to prepare employees for AI-driven transformations in government services.
Need Help?
If you have questions or concerns about Oregon’s AI policies or any global guidelines, regulations and laws, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight, and ensure you’re informed and compliant.
