As artificial intelligence technology continues to evolve rapidly, the legislative initiative introduced last month is creating a regulatory framework for the use of AI in government operations and positioning Guam to utilize emerging technologies while protecting citizens’ rights, Senator Terror Tights said in a press release.
Bill No. 64-38, introduced by Taitague on February 19, proposes establishing an 11-member task force responsible for developing policies that balance AI implementation with constitutional protection within the government of Guam.
At her release, Taitague, chairing the Legislative Committee on Technology, said, “Artificial Intelligence AI presents a prominent opportunity for Guam to overcome economic and social hurdles.
As stated in the release, the proposed law comes amid growing public attention on AI regulations. According to a national conference of around 450 AI-related bills tracked in 2024, more than 40 new laws have been passed across the US, highlighting both the complexity of regulating the technology and the challenges that lawmakers will pace its development.
“It’s clear that this technology is developing during the day and we still don’t fully understand the impact AI will have when we continue to modernize government functions,” Taitague said in her release.
When asked about specific measures the task force recommends to address risks such as bias, privacy violations and potential job transfer, Taitag spoke to the Guam Daily Post about the importance of human surveillance.
“The main purpose behind the development of the task force is to ensure that the government does not overly rely on AI,” she said. “Like all technologies, AI is subject to technical errors. As AI results are generated by the data it obtains, it is important that human elements oversee and verify the results generated by AI.”
The senator further emphasized this point, saying, “The main goal is to prevent relying on AI technology and overconfidence. Ultimately, AI will definitely play a role in modernizing government, but the final decision is always human.”
As stated further in the release, the proposed task force will include representatives from all three branches of the government, the private sector and institutions of higher education. This diverse composition aims to create a comprehensive approach to AI governance that takes into account multiple perspectives and disciplines, Taitague said.
Taitague highlighted continuous surveillance as to how the task force navigates the rapidly evolving nature of AI.
This approach prioritizes systematic implementation over hastily adoption, she said. When asked whether the task force would incorporate a pilot project before full-scale legislation, Taitague compared the process to creating an instruction manual.
“Like the operator manuals accompanying devices, the task force will prioritize developing a general framework for how and how AI is used in government operations before official adoption of AI technology,” she said.
The law also addresses workforce concerns, Taitague said, “The guidelines protect the workforce from employment evacuation, regulate government AI usage, and provide contingency plans.”
According to the release, Bill 64-38 is co-hosted by speakers Frank Brass Jr., Vice-Chairman V. Anthony Ada, Senators Chris Burnett, Sabina Flores Perez, Shelley Carbo and Therese M. Terrerae.
Taitague said the law represents a balanced approach to adopting technological advancements while maintaining critical protections. “Bill 64 is making sure Guam is ahead of the curve by creating policies that protect people while improving current government processes and systems,” she said.
On the issue of reconciliation of diverse interests from various stakeholders, Taitague emphasized that task force work is subject to multiple reviews.
With potential applications spanning healthcare, education, public safety and management services, the task force recommendations can significantly shape how Govguam operates in the coming years.
“Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool. With AI, you can address access to public services such as healthcare, education, public safety and management services,” Taitague said. “However, without the right safeguard, using AI can pose a significant risk.”
Regarding accountability measures, Taitague said, “The public meetings and inclusion of members from all sectors of the government ensure that the framework prioritizes constitutional protection and reduces risks associated with hasty laws.”
