Introducing a Task Force to Develop AI Usage Road Map in Rhode Island

Since the dawn of AI (artificial intelligence) became a prevalent topic in everyday discussions, roughly about two years ago, much attention has been given to its remarkable creative prowess in generative AI, spanning from crafting bizarre images to crafting college students’ essays.

AI’s emergence presents more than just a novelty; Gov. Dan McKee envisions AI as a potential ally in his efforts to boost the personal income of Rhode Islanders by 2030. This objective is part of the forthcoming report that will be generated by the Rhode Island Governor’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, which had its inaugural gathering on Monday at the Department of Administration headquarters in Providence.

Chris Parisi, the president of Trailblaze Marketing and the task force’s vice chair, heralded the Spider-Man analogy in his introductory address, emphasizing the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany AI.

“I’m not implying that AI won’t displace jobs,” Parisi conveyed. “However, we are also generating new employment opportunities.”

Established via executive order on Feb. 29 by McKee, the task force comprises two dozen members from various sectors, both public and private. During their initial assembly on Monday, they engaged in preliminary discussions outlining the group’s objectives. Some members, such as Sen. Lou DiPalma and K-12 education commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, were absent from the meeting. Jim Langevin, a former congressman, presides over the task force.

The task force’s composition reflects its primary goal, as highlighted by Parisi, which is ensuring that AI applications in the state are conducted ethically and without bias.

The predominant concern remains how to effectively utilize AI as a resource within government and businesses. Over the forthcoming year, the task force’s fact-finding teams will delve into areas like finance, government functions, education, and small business operations. Subsequently, a detailed report and action plan delineating AI’s implementation in Rhode Island will be produced, aiding McKee in formulating strategies to elevate incomes by 2030.

“This report will be pivotal in shaping our strategies,” McKee emphasized.

Furthermore, the state government is seeking a consulting strategic advisor to proffer guidance to the task force. A solicitation was posted on the state’s bidding site on June 24 and will remain open until July 25.

McKinsey, a multinational consulting firm, reported in 2022 that business AI adoption had “leveled off.” However, their 2024 study released on May 30 revealed a resurgence in AI implementation. According to their survey, 72% of responding businesses now incorporated AI in at least one aspect of their operations. Particularly, the utilization of generative AI, a technology foundational to recreational and artistic pursuits, surged from 33% to 65%, as indicated by McKinsey’s latest study.

In Rhode Island, the scenario mirrors the national trend. Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner acknowledged the divided sentiments within businesses regarding AI’s prospects.

The expansive integration of AI in professional spheres has necessitated governments to address its regulation comprehensively, as it promises enriched data and streamlined operations. Across the nation, proposals like an AI “bill of rights” have surfaced, accompanied by the establishment of task forces in states such as Alabama, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Washington.

State legislatures have responded by enacting laws to govern AI, prompting the Electronic Privacy Information Center to introduce a scorecard for evaluating AI legislation. In Rhode Island, initiatives by legislators such as DiPalma and Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski were introduced during the 2024 session, targeting issues like “algorithmic discrimination” and the use of AI-generated content in election communication.

Baginski and DiPalma supplemented these efforts with bills to restrict AI-generated content use in election materials within a 90-day window. While Baginski’s bill passed the House and stalled in the Senate, DiPalma’s bill faced further evaluation by the House Committee on Innovation, Internet, & Technology.

The insurance industry was an early adopter of AI, with guidelines issued in 2020. Rhode Island’s Department of Business Regulation has issued directives for insurers, as noted by the department’s director Elizabeth Kelleher Dwyer, who serves on the task force.

Task force member Edmund Shallcross III, CEO of Amica, underscored the company’s extensive use of data and machine learning, highlighting their ongoing integration of AI across various business functions in the coming years.

On the governmental front, Marc Pappas, director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, acknowledged the positive impact of AI in disaster recovery efforts, citing its proficiency in mapping, assessing damage through imaging analysis, and facilitating resource allocations during crises.

Contrasting viewpoints emerged within the task force, particularly from Christopher Horvath of Citizens Bank, who expressed reservations about potential misuse of AI by malicious entities. Brian Tardiff, the state’s chief digital officer and chief information officer, echoed concerns about data security, emphasizing the need for robust frameworks to leverage AI effectively within government operations.