Michigan House Committee Weighs AI Pilot Program for State Government

Michigan lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would create a statewide AI pilot program geared toward determining how the technology could be used across the state’s government.

As WZMQ 19 News reported, the Michigan House Communications and Technology Committee recently heard testimony on the measure. Introduced by Rep. Jaime Greene, the bill would establish a pilot program that allows state employees, agencies and departments to test approved AI systems under state oversight.

The legislation would also create a three-member Artificial Intelligence Governing Board, appointed by Michigan’s governor, according to WZMQ. The board would advise the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) on the program’s design and implementation, and would recommend ethical guidelines for AI use in state government.

If approved, the pilot program would begin by Jan. 1, 2027. State employees taking part would not be able to input restricted or confidential information into AI systems unless the systems meet state privacy and cybersecurity standards, according to WZMQ. Human review would also be required before AI-generated outputs could be used.

Kevin Frazier, senior fellow at the Abundance Institute, was among those to provide testimony before the House committee on May 12, WZMQ reported.

In addition to suggesting revisions to the legislation, Frazier noted that states such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Vermont have already used artificial intelligence to great benefit within state government, making permit reviews more efficient, for instance.

“These tools can drastically improve state operations in a transparent, reliable and significant fashion,” Frazier said. “Michigan ought to follow the lead of its sister states.”