UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2026:
Virginia’s Executive Order 30 has moved from high-level framework to active implementation. The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) formally published the “Utilization of Artificial Intelligence by the Commonwealth of Virginia (COV) Policy Standard” in June 2024, establishing binding requirements for state agencies. The standard operationalizes EO 30 by mandating AI project registration, formal approval workflows, disclaimers on AI-generated outputs, third-party risk review, and documented data protection controls.
The AI Task Force released its Commonwealth of Virginia AI Strategy EO30 Report. It outlines guardrails, governance structures, and oversight mechanisms for agency AI adoption. The $600,000 in pilot funding allocated under the Executive Order has supported multiple AI proof-of-concept initiatives. Also, the standards are now influencing procurement language and vendor contracts across state agencies.
Law enforcement–specific AI standards have been implemented through VITA guidance, including structured registration processes and compliance documentation tools. Ongoing FAQs, job aids, and agency training materials continue to support adoption. EO 30 remains the central pillar of Virginia’s AI governance framework, with continued oversight, refinement, and agency-level deployment underway.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
U.S. Governor Issues Executive Order Establishing AI Standards
On January 18, 2024, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 30, which sets comprehensive standards for the ethical and secure use of AI. The order seeks to enhance government services while protecting privacy and civil rights.
The policy standards outlined in the order necessitate that state agencies secure approval for AI projects. That includes disclaimers on AI outputs, mitigate third-party risks, and uphold the protection of personal data. Simultaneously, the order sets information technology standards to govern technical protocols, requirements, and procurement processes for AI systems, ensuring a robust and standardized approach.
Acknowledging the role of education in navigating AI integration, the order includes guidelines that afford flexibility for schools and colleges to incorporate AI while emphasizing responsible use training. To facilitate ongoing oversight and recommendations, the order establishes an AI Task Force. The Force will play a crucial role in implementing the prescribed standards and guidelines.
A specific directive within the order mandates the development of AI standards tailored for law enforcement agencies within a nine-month timeframe. Moreover, the Secretary of Public Safety is tasked with examining safeguards to protect children from online predators deploying AI.
Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order aims to strike a balance, enabling the state to harness the benefits of AI while proactively mitigating associated risks. It assigns the state’s IT agency the responsibility of publishing the standards, ensuring transparency for both state agencies and the public. Executive branch agencies are mandated to adhere to the established standards and approval processes, reflecting the commitment to responsible AI adoption.
Conclusion
This isn’t Governor Youngkin’s first foray into establishing regulations for AI. In a press release, he emphasized the significance of the standards and guidelines in ensuring the safe implementation of AI. Also, the Governor’s administration is allocating $600,000 in proposed funds. Those funds will initiate pilots that assess the effectiveness of these new standards, demonstrating a proactive approach to testing and refining AI regulations. Also, the Executive Order positions Virginia as a leader in technology and responsible AI policy formulation, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and ethical technology integration.
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The AI regulatory landscape is rapidly changing and you might have inquiries or concerns. Therefore, consider reaching out to BABL AI. Hence, their team of Audit Experts is ready to offer valuable insight.
