State regulatory leaders must address several operational considerations when implementing AI at their agency. Karl Kopper, Agency Information Security Officer at the California State Transportation Agency emphasizes the importance of the quality of data, for example. “There are several things that have to come together before AI can become an operational capability. First is quality data,” Kopper told StateTech on October 15. “AI cannot compensate for data that is inaccessible, inconsistent, poorly governed or not trusted.” He also focuses on the need for AI literacy and upskilling, citing the best uses come from bringing together technology teams with subject matter experts. Other key considerations for using artificial intelligence at regulatory agencies include change management and human oversight. “For decisions affecting safety, public services, funding or individuals, there needs to be an appropriate level of human review,” he explained.
The Center for Democracy and Technology, working with the GovAI Coalition, developed an AI Governance checklist and operational requirements to guide government.
Technical issues led to the Montana State Lottery system crashing, amid high demand for Montana Millionaire tickets. The Daily Montanan on November 2 reported that the system crashed shortly after the start of ticket sales early Sunday morning. In a Facebook post, the state lottery made the “difficult decision to postpone the game.” On the website for the Montana Lottery, they stated: “Due to ongoing technical issues, Montana Millionaire ticket sales have been postponed until further notice.” The state lottery blamed the vendor, along with the large volume of simultaneous transactions. Every year, the Montana State Lottery’s Montana Millionaire game picks several winners for a prize of $1 million; this year the lottery planned to award six $1 million prizes. “This year, ticket sales were chaos, according to news outlets around the state, and it remained a topic of discussion in gas stations, bars, and social media across the state on Monday,” the news outlet reported.
Washington CIO Bill Kehoe told Government Technology on Oct. 23 that AI transforms government operations, systems and data, and not merely routine tasks. AI eliminates duplicated processes, removes physical and digital barriers, organizes services around shared functions, lowers costs and simplifies residents’ interactions with government. Kehoe urges governments to establish privacy and security safeguards, test new approaches on a small scale and expand successful models. He emphasizes process reform over staff reductions: “It’s not the replacing staff that’s going to make government less complex. It’s our business processes. It’s our systems that are duplicated all across the government. And that’s where AI can really, really help us.”
Renee Moseley joined GL Solutions in 2016, bringing a strong background in research, writing and software documentation. She develops informative, industry-focused content that helps regulatory agencies navigate evolving requirements, stay informed about occupational licensing and regulatory trends and make informed decisions. Through her work, Renee highlights the technology, resources and best practices that support more efficient licensing, permitting and regulatory operations.
