Ivey Releases Final Report on Generative AI in Alabama Government
Report is expected to guide Alabama’s executive agencies in integrating AI technologies
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has released the final report of the Governor’s Task Force on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), marking a significant step in Alabama’s approach to the emerging technology. The task force, established by Executive Order 738 in February 2024, was created to assess how executive-branch agencies currently utilize GenAI, promote responsible and effective applications, and develop policy recommendations for its future use.
“Here in Alabama, we’re booming with growth,” said Governor Ivey. “From big businesses moving to Alabama, to rebuilding infrastructure and cutting-edge research, Alabama is staying on top of the game and will continue to be an industry leader, especially in the ethical use of artificial intelligence. I am proud of the hard work that our state leaders put into exploring the constructive possibilities for GenAI in the executive branch.”
The task force was chaired by Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of the Office of Information Technology (OIT), and included members of the governor’s cabinet, state legislators, and representatives from higher education. To streamline its efforts, the task force formed four working groups, each focusing on a critical aspect of AI governance: policies and oversight, data management and ownership, ethical and responsible use, and workforce education and training.
Over the course of 2024, the task force held four official meetings and conducted 20 additional working group sessions. The final report, submitted to the Governor’s Office on November 30, outlines key findings and recommendations, covering topics such as:
- The fundamentals of artificial intelligence and the unique aspects of GenAI
- Risks associated with GenAI, both at the individual and organizational levels
- Guidelines for data ownership, classification, and readiness
- Strategies for educating state employees on the safe and productive use of GenAI
- Procurement and development standards for GenAI applications
- An inventory of GenAI use across the executive branch
- Policy recommendations for implementing GenAI in state government
Secretary Urquhart expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the initiative. “I want to thank Governor Ivey for the opportunity to serve as Chair of this task force, which provided a platform to collaborate with our state legislature, higher education, and IT leadership to examine and explore the potential risks and benefits of this revolutionary technology for the executive branch,” he said. “On behalf of the GenAI Task Force, I am pleased to present this report aimed at helping to educate, facilitate, and provide strategic recommendations for the effectual and ethical implementation of GenAI for the state of Alabama.”
The report is expected to guide Alabama’s executive agencies in integrating AI technologies while maintaining transparency, security, and ethical oversight.
