Governor Mills Signs Executive Order Establishing Task Force on Artificial Intelligence

From: Maine Governor Janet Mills
December 20, 2024

Governor Janet Mills today signed an Executive Order establishing a task force to examine the opportunities and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for Maine's people, economy, and institutions.

The Governor's Executive Order comes in response to a rapid surge of technological advancements that are poised to revolutionize how people live and work. Nearly one-fifth of the U.S. workforce is classified as "highly exposed" to AI, making them particularly vulnerable to job transformations driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. At the same time, AI has the potential to create new jobs and businesses, improve productivity and efficiency, and reduce barriers to entry in some technical fields.

The Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force will bring together business, education, labor, government, and community leaders to study the challenges and opportunities associated with the proliferation of AI. The Task Force is charged with preparing policy recommendations that will position Maine to harness the benefits of AI while minimizing risks for people and businesses.

"Emerging AI technologies offer the potential to improve lives, drive economic growth, and help solve complex challenges. But like all new technologies, AI, if not embraced in a prudent and responsible manner, can cause potentially harmful changes to the lives and livelihoods of Maine people," said Governor Janet Mills. "The Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force will bring leaders together from across the state to ensure that Maine is embracing the opportunities presented by AI while mitigating threats to Maine people and businesses."

"Artificial intelligence presents incredible opportunities for Maine businesses to innovate and grow, but we must also take proactive steps to help ensure Maine's economy is prepared to adapt to the rapid pace of change," said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of Economic & Community Development.

"Artificial intelligence holds tremendous promise for Maine--from enhancing education and healthcare to improving government services, strengthening climate resilience, and addressing workforce challenges," said Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office on Policy Innovation & the Future. "The Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force will work to help ensure these advancements benefit Maine people while minimizing disruptions to our communities sand economy."

The Governor's Executive Order directs the Task Force to study and offer recommendations in a report no later than October 31, 2025 that:

  • Prepare Maine's economy and workforce for the opportunities and risks likely to result from advances in AI;
  • Protect Maine residents from potentially harmful uses of AI technologies, such as safeguarding consumer data privacy, mitigating bias in datasets, and mandating disclosure around AI utilization; and
  • Explore the most promising use cases for State agencies, quasi-State agencies, and other public entities such as municipalities to deploy artificial intelligence technologies to address capacity gaps and improve service delivery.

Members of the 21-member Task Force will include leaders from Maine state and municipal government, the University of Maine System, and the Maine Community College System, as well as members representing Maine workers, businesses, health care, civil rights advocacy, and a consumer protection organization. The Governor will announce members of the Task Force in the coming weeks.

The Governor's Executive Order also establishes a Technical Advisory Committee comprised of subject matter experts in technology, legal issues, energy, and workforce policy to advise the Task Force.

The Task Force is expected to begin meeting in January.

Maine is among at least 26 states that have or are establishing a task force, commission, or similar body to advise policy makers on emerging AI-related technologies. The Mills Administration has already taken steps through the Maine Office of Information Technology to analyze risk for state infrastructure and guide state agency usage of AI tools.

Read the Governor's Executive Order.

Latest News

Governor Mills Signs Executive Order Establishing Task Force on Artificial Intelligence

From: Maine Governor Janet Mills
December 20, 2024
Governor Janet Mills today signed an Executive Order establishing a task force to examine the opportunities and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for Maine's people, economy, and… Read More

Governor Mills Announces Director of Maine Office of New Americans

From: Maine Governor Janet Mills
December 18, 2024
Tarlan Ahmadov, a seasoned workforce leader and former state refugee coordinator, will begin on January 21 Governor Janet Mills announced today that she has appointed Tarlan Ahmadov, a seasoned… Read More

Governor Mills Recognizes Recipients of the Governor's Award for Business Excellence

From: Maine Governor Janet Mills
December 17, 2024
During a ceremony this morning at the Blaine House, Governor Janet Mills presented Maine Beer Company, Sargent Corporation, Panolam Surface Systems, and WEX with the 2024 Governor's Award for… Read More

Governor Mills Praises President Biden's Designation of Frances Perkins Homestead as a National Monument

From: Maine Governor Janet Mills
December 16, 2024
Governor Janet Mills released the following statement today praising President Biden's designation of the Frances Perkins National Historic Landmark in Newcastle as a National Monument: "President… Read More

Maine Dems Call on Sen. Collins to Show Courage, Condemn Hegseth Nomination

December 11, 2024
Following news that Sen. Susan Collins met for over an hour on Dec 11th, with Secretary of Defense nominee and Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, Maine Democratic Party Chair Bev Uhlenhake released… Read More