The task force is intended to bring together business, education, labor, government, and community leaders to examine benefits and challenges that come with AI.
AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed an executive order Friday to establish an artificial intelligence task force.
The task force will examine the opportunities and implications of AI for Maine’s people, economy, and institutions, according to a release from the Mills Administration.
The executive order is in response to a rapid surge in technological advancements intended to revolutionize how people live and work, the release states.
Nearly one-fifth of the U.S. workforce is classified as “highly exposed” to AI, which can make them vulnerable to job transformations, driven by the advancement of AI, according to the release. However, AI has the potential to create new jobs and businesses, while improving productivity and efficiency, and reducing barriers to entry in some technical fields.
The Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force is intended to bring together business, education, labor, government, and community leaders to examine the challenges, and opportunities associated with the growth of AI, the release states. The task force will also be responsible for preparing policy recommendations, positioning Maine to harness the benefits of AI, while minimizing the risk for people and businesses.
“Emerging AI technologies offer the potential to improve lives, drive economic growth, and help solve complex challenges. But like all new technologies, AI, if not embraced in a prudent and responsible manner, can cause potentially harmful changes to the lives and livelihoods of Maine people,” Mills stated in the release.
“The Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force will bring leaders together from across the state to ensure that Maine is embracing the opportunities presented by AI while mitigating threats to Maine people and businesses,” Mills explained.
“Artificial intelligence presents incredible opportunities for Maine businesses to innovate and grow, but we must also take proactive steps to help ensure Maine’s economy is prepared to adapt to the rapid pace of change,” Heather Johnson, commissioner of Economic & Community Development, stated in the release.
“Artificial intelligence holds tremendous promise for Maine—from enhancing education and healthcare to improving government services, strengthening climate resilience, and addressing workforce challenges,” Hannah Pingree, director of the governor’s office on Policy Innovation & the Future, said in the release. “The Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force will work to help ensure these advancements benefit Maine people while minimizing disruptions to our communities and economy.”
The Governor’s Executive Order directs the Task Force to study and offer recommendations in a report no later than Oct. 31, 2025:
The 21-member task force will consist of leaders from Maine state and municipal government, the University of Maine System, and the Maine Community College System, as well as members who represent Maine workers, businesses, health care, civil rights advocacy, and a consumer protection organization, the release states. Gov. Mills will announce the task force members in the coming weeks.
The executive order also establishes a Technical Advisory Committee comprising experts in technology, legal issues, energy, and workforce policy to advise the task force.
The task force is expected to begin meeting in January.
Maine is among at least 26 states that have or are establishing a task force, commission, or similar group to advise policymakers on emerging AI-related technologies.
“The Mills Administration has already taken steps through the Maine Office of Information Technology to analyze risk for state infrastructure and guide state agency usage of AI tools,” the release states.
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