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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated a significant reorganization, appointing Micky Tripathi as the new Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy. This move places Tripathi in charge of a new departmentwide technology office focusing on technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) portfolios. The reorganization aims to enhance the integration and management of AI across the department, moving responsibilities previously held by the Assistant Secretary of Administration to Tripathi’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer.

Tripathi’s immediate priority is to fill critical positions, including chief technology, data, and AI officers, to establish a robust organizational structure. Following this, the focus will shift to ensuring AI compliance with federal guidelines and setting comprehensive policies to foster the appropriate use of AI technologies. This restructured approach is expected to streamline HHS’s data strategy and AI initiatives, ensuring that the technology enhances public health services while mitigating compliance risks and biases.

Why Read This Article?

AI Integration and Policy: Insights on how a major federal department structures its AI initiatives can provide valuable lessons for state and local government agencies.

Leadership in AI: The focus on filling key AI roles highlights the importance of leadership and expertise in successfully implementing AI technologies in the public sector.

Organizational Strategy: HHS’s restructuring offers a case study of how large organizations can reorganize to better leverage emerging technologies.

This week’s highlights explore critical advancements and regulatory efforts in the AI landscape. California’s proposed “Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act,” led by state Senator Scott Wiener, aims to regulate AI development through the Frontier Model Division and CalCompute program. While supported by AI safety groups, it faces opposition from tech giants like Google and Meta, who argue it could stifle innovation. In response to this bill, tech leaders express concerns about its potential impact on startups and liability for AI misuse. Meanwhile, Washington state has established an 18-member task force to balance AI innovation with proper oversight, discussing topics like intellectual property and bias. Additionally, Apple joins other tech giants in adopting the Biden administration’s voluntary AI safeguards, testing AI systems for security and discrimination risks. These efforts underscore the ongoing challenge of balancing AI’s transformative potential with its significant risks.

California’s Legislative Push for AI Safety and Security

California’s proposed “Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act,” spearheaded by state Senator Scott Wiener, aims to regulate the development and deployment of advanced AI models. The bill seeks to preemptively address the risks associated with AI by establishing the Frontier Model Division, a regulatory body, and the CalCompute program to support large-scale AI model development. While the bill has garnered support from AI safety advocacy groups, it faces opposition from tech giants like Google and Meta, who argue it could stifle innovation and disproportionately burden AI model developers. The bill underscores the urgent need to balance AI’s potential benefits with its significant risks, including misuse of autonomous weapons and cybersecurity threats.

Tech Industry Responds to California’s Proposed AI Legislation

In response to Senator Scott Wiener’s “Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act,” tech leaders express concerns about potential negative impacts on innovation. The bill aims to regulate AI development to prevent misuse but has been criticized by figures such as Garry Tan of Y Combinator and Andrew Ng of Google Brain for potentially stifling AI advancements. Despite amendments to address industry feedback, critics argue the legislation could hinder startups and impose unfair liabilities on developers for third-party misuse of their AI models. Wiener remains open to further revisions, emphasizing the bill’s narrower scope compared to the European Union’s AI regulations.

Washington’s New Task Force Takes Action

Washington state has established an 18-member task force to address the growing influence of artificial intelligence, with its first meeting scheduled for Friday. The task force, consisting of state lawmakers, tech industry leaders, advocacy group representatives, and government officials, aims to balance fostering AI innovation with ensuring proper regulation. Topics for discussion include intellectual property, AI oversight, bias, and racial disparities, transparency, and support for AI advancements. Attorney General Bob Ferguson highlighted Washington’s leadership role in technology and the importance of developing policies that prioritize public interests. The task force will meet biannually over the next two years, culminating in a policy recommendation report by July 2026.

Apple Joins Tech Giants in Adopting Biden’s AI Safeguards

Apple Inc. has agreed to adopt the Biden administration’s voluntary AI safeguards, joining other tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and OpenAI. These measures involve testing AI systems for security flaws, discriminatory tendencies, and national security risks, with the results to be shared transparently with governments, civil society, and academia. This move comes as Apple plans to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its iPhone voice-command assistant. While the guidelines are not enforceable, they represent an effort by the administration to encourage responsible AI development amid growing concerns about AI’s potential dangers and discriminatory impacts.

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Grove City, Ohio, has pioneered a cautious and structured approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into local governance. With the enactment of its AI policy on October 3, 2023, the city established a framework for case-by-case approval of AI tools, ensuring each implementation aligns with security and consistency standards. This policy underscores the city’s broader initiative to standardize procedures and secure its technological infrastructure, essential as AI continues to evolve. Already, Grove City employs AI tools such as Grammarly, KnowBe4, and Arctic Wolf for risk management, demonstrating significant cost savings and operational efficiency.

The city’s approach to AI governance is foundational, emphasizing risk mitigation and continuous policy review to adapt to technological advancements. The ultimate goal is to leverage AI to transition from reactive to proactive and predictive governance. This strategic use of AI aims to improve decision-making, enhance public safety, and optimize resource utilization, setting a precedent for other local governments.

Why Read This Article?

Insightful Governance Model: Learn from Grove City’s systematic approach to AI governance, which balances innovation with security and consistency.

Real-World Applications: Understand practical examples of AI tools like Grammarly, KnowBe4, and Arctic Wolf in local government, showcasing tangible benefits and cost savings.

Policy Framework: Gain knowledge on Grove City’s AI policy’s development and implementation, providing a blueprint for other municipalities.

Proactive Strategy: See how the city aims to move from reactive to proactive governance using AI, enhancing decision-making and public safety.

This week’s highlights delve into the transformative efforts of state and local governments to leverage AI to enhance public services and governance. New York set a precedent with the passage of the Legislative Oversight of Automated Decision-making in Government Act (LOADinG Act), aiming to establish stringent AI controls within state agencies. South Carolina unveils its comprehensive AI strategy focused on predictive analysis and improved resident services, while Illinois partners with Google to launch the BEACON portal, streamlining youth mental health services. Additionally, the NewDeal Forum introduces a new task force to explore AI’s potential in improving government services and ensuring ethical use. These initiatives underscore the significant strides being made to integrate AI responsibly and effectively in public sector operations.

New York State Sets Precedent with Stricter AI Controls in Government Agencies

New York state lawmakers have passed the Legislative Oversight of Automated Decision-making in Government Act (LOADinG Act). This pioneering bill imposes stringent controls on using artificial intelligence within state agencies. If signed by the governor, the bill will mandate public disclosure of AI use in decision-making processes, require direct human oversight, and prohibit replacing government workers with AI systems. Additionally, state agencies must report their AI usage biennially and obtain approval before implementing automated decision-making systems. This legislation marks New York as the first state to enforce rigorous AI regulations in its operations.

Generative AI’s Impact and Risks for State and Local Governments

Generative AI is streamlining procurement processes in state and local governments, significantly reducing the time required for tasks that previously took months or years. States like Idaho and cities such as Murray, Utah, are seeing early successes in using AI to expedite procurement, but not without facing risks. These include cybersecurity threats, potential biases, and compliance challenges. Efforts are underway to address these concerns, including forming AI advisory councils and policy frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical use of AI in procurement.

South Carolina Unveils Comprehensive AI Strategy for State Services

South Carolina has unveiled its Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a comprehensive 17-page plan detailing how state agencies will leverage AI for predictive analysis, improved resident services, and workforce development. Developed by the state’s chief information and security officers in collaboration with the Department of Administration and leaders from ten other agencies, the strategy focuses on protecting, promoting, and pursuing AI technologies. Key elements include ensuring data security, ethical AI use, and enhancing accessibility of city services. The plan also emphasizes workforce training and decision support, with an advisory group and center of excellence to guide AI implementation and evaluate projects.

Illinois and Google Partner to Launch AI-Driven Youth Mental Health Portal

Illinois has partnered with Google Public Sector to launch the BEACON portal, a centralized platform designed to streamline access to youth mental health services and improve interagency collaboration. This initiative is part of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and aims to address the rising mental health challenges among youth. The portal, developed with input from parents and agency representatives, includes document uploads and user-friendly consent forms to facilitate data sharing. The phased rollout will begin with select users and expand to the public, enhancing service efficiency and reducing stress for families seeking mental health resources.

Nonprofit Launches Task Force for Ethical AI Use in Government

The NewDeal Forum, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., has created a new task force comprising state and local officials and subject matter experts to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing government services. This task force will focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness in public services, establishing responsible AI usage guidelines, and addressing AI’s impact on elections, including combating deepfakes. Inspired by President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, the group aims to ensure that AI technologies are used ethically and equitably, guiding local officials in developing responsible AI deployment plans.

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The White House recently announced nearly $100 million in commitments from government, academia, and civil society to bolster the emerging tech workforce. This initiative, led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), includes significant pledges from the National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Digital Response (USDR), and several prominent universities. NSF’s contribution includes $48 million to expand its Emerging and Novel Technologies program and support responsible technology development. The OSTP event highlighted the critical need for diverse, skilled talent to harness AI for public service, emphasizing ethical considerations and fresh perspectives in technology integration.

OSTP Director Arati Prabhakar underscored the necessity of leveraging AI for public benefit while managing its risks. She highlighted the importance of recruiting and upskilling talent to address national priorities such as healthcare, economic competition, and national security. Academic institutions, including San José State University and Georgetown University, are joining these efforts, providing material support and new opportunities for scholars. The collective initiative aims to enhance public service capabilities, ensure ethical AI deployment, and address pressing societal challenges through innovative technology solutions.

Why Read This Article?

Insight on Major Funding Initiatives: Learn about the significant financial commitments and strategic investments to advance the tech workforce, which could influence public sector AI developments.

Understanding Government Priorities: Gain a clear understanding of current governmental priorities regarding AI and technology integration in public services, including ethical considerations.

Opportunities for Collaboration: Identify potential opportunities for collaboration with academic institutions and government bodies involved in this initiative.

Future Workforce Development: Explore the implications of these initiatives on workforce development and the potential impact on public sector technology capabilities.

This week’s highlights showcase how state and local governments are leveraging AI and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to modernize permitting systems, boosting automation, transparency, and efficiency. Honolulu’s CLARITI system and AI-powered CivCheck have reduced residential permit processing times by 70%. Virginia’s Virginia Permit Transparency platform and Pennsylvania’s PAyback platform have significantly cut processing times and expedited fee refunds. Maricopa County, Arizona, introduced a centralized, GIS-integrated Permit Center for a more user-friendly experience. Utah unveiled its Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and an AI learning lab to enhance AI policies and support businesses. Additionally, an op-ed by Nikki Davidson reveals that public-sector employees lag behind the private sector in AI adoption, underscoring the need for robust governance and innovative AI solutions. These stories highlight AI’s transformative impact on public services and the efforts to bridge the AI adoption gap.

Modernizing Permits with AI and GIS Integration

State and local governments increasingly integrate AI and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into their permitting systems to enhance automation, transparency, and service efficiency. In Honolulu, the Department of Planning and Permitting’s CLARITI system, combined with the new AI-powered CivCheck, has significantly reduced residential permit processing times by 70%. Virginia’s Office of Regulatory Management launched the Virginia Permit Transparency platform, allowing applicants to track their permit status in real time, which has also cut processing times by over 70%. Pennsylvania introduced PAyback, a platform to expedite fee refunds and reduce long wait times for permit processing. Maricopa County, Arizona, launched the Permit Center, consolidating various permitting systems into a central, GIS-integrated platform to provide residents with a comprehensive, user-friendly interface for managing permit applications and inspections.

Utah Launches AI Policy Office and Learning Lab

Utah has unveiled its Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and a new AI learning lab to enhance AI policies benefiting businesses, consumers, and the government. This initiative, announced by the Utah Department of Commerce, aims to help AI companies navigate regulatory challenges while safeguarding public interests. The office, led by division director Zach Boyd, will offer “regulatory mitigation agreements” to assist businesses in overcoming outdated restrictions and collect data on generative AI usage. Additionally, the new law requires transparency when AI chatbots are used and excludes algorithm-generated data from the legal definition of personal data under state privacy laws. The learning lab will collaborate with stakeholders and experts to test policy ideas and provide legislative recommendations. Governor Spencer Cox highlighted the initiative’s potential to foster collaboration between business and government to elevate the state’s AI capabilities.

Bridging the AI Gap: Lessons from the Private Sector

In this op-ed by Nikki Davidson, a recent global survey by SAS reveals that public-sector employees are significantly behind their private-sector counterparts in understanding and utilizing generative AI. The study, which surveyed 1,600 organizations, highlights that only 36% of U.S. public employees feel confident about their AI knowledge compared to 52% in the private sector. Additionally, there’s a noticeable hesitancy in the public sector regarding synthetic data usage, a tool increasingly adopted by private industries to protect sensitive information. Furthermore, the survey indicates a lack of AI governance policies in the public sector, with only 52% having such policies versus 65% in the private sector. The findings underscore the need for government agencies to address knowledge gaps, embrace innovative AI solutions, and develop robust governance frameworks to keep pace with private-sector advancements.

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A new bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski aims to enhance the Department of Energy’s (DOE) capabilities through artificial intelligence. The Department of Energy AI Act mandates the DOE to establish a research and development program focused on AI, emphasizing the aggregation and training of AI datasets, the deployment of advanced computing infrastructure, and the development of safe and trustworthy AI systems. This initiative is intended to advance the DOE’s scientific and security missions, leveraging the extensive network of national laboratories.

Under the proposed legislation, at least eight multidisciplinary AI research and development centers will be established across the DOE’s 17 national labs. These centers will bring together experts from the labs, academia, and industry to tackle frontier AI research projects, with each center receiving a minimum of $30 million annually. The bill also includes provisions for developing a technical roadmap for AI innovation and creating a taxonomy of AI-related safety and security risks. This strategic approach ensures the United States maintains its leadership in scientific discovery, national security, and global competitiveness through responsible AI innovation.

Why Read This Article?

Enhanced AI Capabilities: Discover how the DOE leverages AI to advance its scientific and security missions through new legislative support.

Significant Funding and Support: Learn about the substantial financial backing and strategic planning for establishing AI research and development centers.

Safety and Security Focus: Explore the development of a taxonomy for AI-related safety and security risks, emphasizing the importance of trustworthy AI systems.

Bipartisan Legislative Effort: See how bipartisan support shapes AI’s integration in government sectors, ensuring the U.S. maintains its global competitiveness.

This week’s highlights demonstrate AI’s transformative impact on U.S. government services. In New Orleans, the AI tool Call Triage by Carbyne streamlines 911 call handling, reducing workloads and enhancing emergency response. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada deploys ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection technology, enhancing safety for 50 million annual riders. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses AI and the SecurityStat platform to improve customer service and efficiency, addressing wait times and disability determinations. The General Services Administration (GSA) hosts an AI-themed hackathon on July 31 in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and New York City, offering $10,000 in prizes to innovate federal websites with AI. State Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from Texas, Colorado, and Indiana explore AI’s role in enhancing human-centered design, creating more intuitive and responsive services. These initiatives highlight AI’s crucial role in advancing and improving public services nationwide.

New Orleans Pioneers AI for Emergency Call Triage

implementing an innovative AI-powered tool, Call Triage, to streamline handling 911 calls amidst significant staffing shortages. This technology, developed by Carbyne, assists by initially triaging calls related to ongoing incidents, thereby reducing the volume of calls that human operators need to manage. Currently tested for motor vehicle accidents, this system has shown promising results, effectively performing the work of two full-time staff members. The AI system aims to mitigate the strain on the 911 center’s workforce, which is critically understaffed despite ongoing recruitment efforts. By efficiently diverting redundant calls, the AI tool helps maintain response standards and improve the overall efficiency of emergency services in New Orleans.

Southern Nevada Transit Agency Implements AI Security Measures

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada has become the first transit agency in the United States to implement ZeroEyes’ AI-based gun detection technology on a large scale. This advanced system integrates with existing security cameras to identify and respond to gun-related threats, enhancing safety for the agency’s over 50 million annual riders. When a gun is detected, ZeroEyes’ Operations Center, staffed by military and law enforcement veterans, verifies the threat and dispatches alerts to local law enforcement and RTC staff within seconds. This initiative reflects the RTC’s commitment to improving security and setting a new standard for public transit safety nationwide.

SSA Modernizes with AI and Data Tracking

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is modernizing from paper-based operations to a data-driven organization by implementing AI tools and the SecurityStat data-tracking platform. This shift aims to enhance customer service and efficiency amid staffing challenges. SecurityStat, based on crime data systems from NYC and Baltimore, helps visualize key metrics and address issues like wait times and disability determinations. AI applications, such as the Intelligent Medical Language Analysis Generation tool, improve decision-making and streamline processes in disability determination and fraud detection. Led by Commissioner Martin O’Malley, this effort seeks to make the SSA more responsive and efficient for its millions of beneficiaries.

Hackathon to Shape Future Federal Websites Using AI

The General Services Administration (GSA) is hosting an AI-themed hackathon on July 31 in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and New York City, offering $10,000 in prize money. The event, co-sponsored by OpenAI and Microsoft, invites participants to innovate federal websites using AI and cloud technologies. The hackathon will provide access to advanced tools, such as large language models and coding technologies, to enhance AI-generated responses. GSA Chief AI and Data Officer Zach Whitman emphasized the goal of optimizing services for Americans as they increasingly use AI tools. This initiative aligns with GSA’s broader efforts to integrate emerging technologies, as GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan highlighted, and the agency’s recent release of a framework for generative AI and cloud authorization priorities.

Integrating AI with Human-Centered Design in Public Services

State Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human-centered design in government services, aiming to improve user experiences and operational efficiency. The Social Security Administration and other agencies are using AI to create more intuitive, responsive services, with technologies like chatbots and natural language processing enhancing interactions. AI is expected to streamline processes, provide more accurate information, and meet the rising expectations of citizens accustomed to private sector innovations. CIOs from states like Texas, Colorado, and Indiana emphasize the importance of designing AI systems with accessibility, demographic considerations, and user needs to maintain trust and deliver effective public services.

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New Jersey has launched a training course and AI Assistant to teach state employees responsible AI use. The program covers best practices, risk management, and bias avoidance. The secure, state-hosted NJ AI Assistant lets employees test AI applications safely. Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order also established the New Jersey AI Task Force and AI governance policies. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost government efficiency with AI, similar to efforts in California and Illinois.

The training helps staff simplify complex topics and summarize documents. The NJ AI Assistant has improved response times and call resolutions in the Division of Taxation. Developed with input from industry experts, state workers, and federal officials, this initiative highlights a collaborative approach. Gov. Murphy underscores the initiative’s potential to empower public servants and improve service delivery for New Jersey residents.

Why Read This Article?

Innovative Training Approach: Learn about a practical example of AI training and its implementation in the public sector.

Collaboration and Input: See the collaborative development process involving industry leaders, state employees, and federal officials.

Real-World Benefits: Gain insights into the tangible improvements in public service efficiency and response times through AI.

This week’s highlights showcase the transformative power of AI in government. The General Services Administration (GSA) has launched a framework to expedite FedRAMP authorization for generative AI, enhancing federal operational capabilities. The State Department, led by Secretary Antony Blinken, is leveraging AI to improve diplomatic efficiency, focusing on human oversight. CIA AI Director Lakshmi Raman discusses using generative AI for intelligence-gathering while balancing innovation and security. Washington State AG Bob Ferguson has formed a task force to explore AI’s impact, aiming for comprehensive public policy and risk management. Montgomery County, Maryland, introduces Monty 2.0, an AI chatbot improving local government service delivery. These initiatives underscore AI’s pivotal role in advancing government functions.

GSA Unveils Framework to Fast-Track Generative AI in FedRAMP

The General Services Administration (GSA) has introduced a new framework to expedite FedRAMP authorization for generative AI technologies following the Biden administration’s 2023 executive order on AI. This framework will prioritize chat interfaces, code-generation and debugging tools, prompt-based image generators, and APIs integrating these capabilities. Vendors can apply for prioritization through two forms until August 31, with selected technologies announced by September 30. The initiative aims to integrate modern AI tools into the FedRAMP Marketplace, enhancing federal agencies’ operational capabilities.

State Department Leverages AI to Enhance Diplomatic Efficiency

The State Department, under Secretary Antony Blinken, has significantly embraced artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and enhance face-to-face diplomacy. Blinken emphasized that AI is a complement, not a replacement, to human work, enabling diplomats to focus on essential interpersonal engagements. AI applications at the State Department include an AI media monitoring platform projected to save 180,000 hours, advanced translation capabilities, air quality monitoring, and expedited report processing. Blinken and other officials highlighted the importance of human oversight in AI usage to ensure accuracy and uphold diplomatic integrity.

CIA Director of AI Discusses Future Integration of Generative AI

The CIA is utilizing generative AI for various intelligence-gathering activities, including open-source triage, translation, transcription, and natural language querying. During a keynote at the Amazon Web Services Summit, Lakshmi Raman, the CIA’s director of AI, highlighted the role of AI in enhancing efficiency and supporting human analysts. The agency is focused on creating a supportive environment for AI, addressing risks, and ensuring the technology is used safely and accurately. Raman envisions AI becoming integral across the CIA’s directorates, enhancing the agency’s capabilities without replacing its workforce.

New Task Force to Guide Washington State’s Use of Generative AI

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has appointed 18 members to a new task force to study the impact of generative AI on the state. This task force, including government, academia, and industry representatives, will recommend guiding principles, identify high-risk AI applications, and address public policy concerns like bias and workforce threats. The task force aims to create a comprehensive report by July 2026, parallel to state agencies’ efforts initiated by Governor Jay Inslee’s executive order to explore AI’s potential and risks.

Montgomery County Leads with Innovative AI Chatbot Monty 2.0

Montgomery County, Maryland’s chatbot, Monty 2.0, showcases the effective application of generative AI in local government. Led by Shayna Taqi, the project has significantly improved customer service by expanding the chatbot’s capabilities to handle over 3,000 topics in 140 languages. Initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce wait times, Monty 2.0 now uses advanced AI technologies to facilitate efficient and multilingual resident interactions. The project exemplifies best practices in AI implementation, emphasizing continuous improvement based on resident feedback and robust technological support.