Sen. Grohoski appointed to the Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force
AUGUSTA — On January 28, Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, was appointed to the Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick.
“As someone who has a healthy balance of experience using AI and skepticism regarding its misuse, I am honored to be appointed to this newly formed task force,” said Sen. Grohoski. “Last year, I introduced legislation to create a similar task force, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this necessary and timely effort. AI is already playing a significant role in our changing world, and I look forward to working with the task force to ensure we protect Maine people and our way of life as the technology matures.”
As established by executive order, the Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force will investigate the implications of recent and anticipated advances in the field of AI for the state of Maine.
It will also make recommendations to: (1) prepare Maine’s economy and workforce for opportunities and risks likely to result from advances in AI; (2) protect Maine residents from potentially harmful uses of AI technologies; and (3) explore the most promising uses for state agencies, quasi-state agencies, and other public entities to deploy AI technologies to address capacity gaps and improve service delivery to the populations they serve.
In the Second Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature, Sen. Grohoski submitted “An Act to Ensure Determinations Made by the State Are Free from Unethical, Unsafe, or Illegal Interference by Artificial Intelligence” for approval by a panel of legislative leaders. The Legislative Council, who must approve all bills submitted in the second session of each Legislature, narrowly denied the introduction of the Senator’s bill by a vote of 4-6.
The bill would have ensured that the State would only be permitted to fund or use AI in a decision-making process if the software conformed to ethical, legal and safety standards that protect the rights of its citizens. The bill would not have restricted non-governmental uses of AI. Furthermore, it would have established a state commission to investigate ways to promote access to ethical, safe and affordable forms of advanced artificial intelligence in all sectors of our economy.
The Task Force will submit its report to the Governor and the Maine Legislature by October 31, 2025. To follow along with the work of the Task Force, visit: www.maine.gov/future/artificial-intelligence-task-force.
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