As state and local governments continue to integrate artificial intelligence into their businesses, Congress is increasing the value of forming and preserving coalitions to shape AI policy and governance.
The Alabama Task Force on Genetic Artificial Intelligence recently released a framework to guide AI adoption across state agencies, providing a clear example of how states can shape AI policies. State lawmakers, including Alaska, Illinois and West Virginia, are considering legislation to form or affirm AI task forces and are investigating the impact of technology on employment, cybersecurity and public services.
Alaska
In Alaska, House Simultaneous Resolution No. 3 suggests that “we establish a joint legislative task force on artificial intelligence to consider examining the development, implementation and regulation of state artificial intelligence.
One of the task force’s main responsibilities is to identify potential applications of AI in data management, public service delivery and decision-making processes. The group will also be tasked with evaluating economic opportunities for AI development, including “establishing and operating data centers and technology hubs.”
Its obligations include examining ethical, legal and privacy concerns regarding the use of AI in the public and private sectors, as well as examining the impact of its workforce, including the “necessity for training programs and the need for educational initiatives.”
The resolution acknowledges potential concerns about the expansion of AI in public service systems, including data privacy risks, algorithm transparency, and potential biases in automated decision-making.
The force will consist of seven appointed members, including lawmakers from both rooms, and develop long-term policy recommendations, such as strategic plans to promote “artificial intelligence innovation.” The report is expected to be paid by January 31, 2026, and the task force will be disbanded on February 2, 2026.
The resolution is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Community and Regional Affairs, which was heard Tuesday. A similar law, the 262 state Senate bill introduced in April 2024, would have launched a state AI task force for the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, but never left the committee.
Illinois
The state’s Generated AI and Natural Language Processing Task Force submitted the required reports in December. The new bill, House Bill 3646, amends the Bureau of Innovation and Technology Act to formalize the National Law Task Force.
HB 3646 allows meetings “as often as necessary to perform their duties” and requires “regular reporting” from the governor and general meeting in a “Investigation of Generic Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing Software.” Previously, the law required the task force to hold virtual participation and at least five public meetings, and report by December 31st.
Other responsibilities of the Task Force will not change its recommendations for “Recommendations for Laws or Regulations to Protect Consumer Information Related to Generic Artificial Intelligence” (GENAI), the “School Model Policy” to address students’ use of Genai in the classroom.
The bill clears the House Cybersecurity, Data Analysis and IT Committee March 20th and is eligible to vote across the house.
West Virginia
West Virginia’s HB 3187 will take a similar tack. The bill expands the role of West Virginia’s task force in artificial intelligence and, according to the text, amends the state’s code to require that “an AI-related economic opportunities that states may support or promote.”
The bill also empowers the task force to consider other topics relating to AI that may arise from testimony or reporting received from members, guests, or residents.
HB 3187 will extend the lifespan of the task force until July 2027 and submit annual reports to state leaders by July 1st. It clears the House and is currently being considered by the State Senate Economic Development Committee.
