Michigan Bill Seeks to Wrangle ‘Wild West’ of Gov AI Use

Michigan state government employees are currently navigating the “Wild West” of artificial intelligence (AI) without clear guidelines on its use across various departments.
State Rep. Jaime Greene introduced a bill for a pilot program aimed at studying the use of generative AI in government to improve efficiency while ensuring oversight and compliance with data protection and cybersecurity standards.
The bill, unanimously passed by the House Communications and Technology Committee, seeks to establish a three-member AI governing board within the state’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget to guide the pilot program.
The pilot program, if approved, will begin in January 2027 and aim to test AI tools in a controlled environment, ensuring it does not involve confidential or restricted information.
The pilot program is expected to yield reports on time savings, efficiency, and risks associated with AI usage, helping to inform future regulations and broader implementation.
The initiative comes amidst a national trend where several states are initiating AI legislation and studies on AI’s impact on government, employment, and healthcare.
Michigan has previously allocated funds for AI initiatives but these were later canceled by a Republican-controlled committee, though they could potentially support the new pilot program pending a court ruling.

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