JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) signed an executive order on Wednesday to foster stakeholder collaboration and harness artificial intelligence (AI) in Mississippi.
 
“AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” said Reeves. “There are a lot of benefits and risks associated with this technology, and that’s why Mississippi needs to continue preparing for its eventual widespread adoption. This executive order will help to bring together stakeholders, as well as better protect Mississippians’ privacy, security and rights. We’ll continue using innovative technology to modernize state government and make it more efficient.”

Executive Order No. 1584 directs the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) to “conduct an inventory of all AI technologies being planned, piloted, acquired, developed, and/or utilized by each state agency.”

The order also directs ITS to “evaluate the processes, guidelines (including procurement) and/or uses of AI currently in place at each state agency.” Additionally, it directs ITS to “coordinate with state agencies to develop policy recommendations for the agency’s responsible use of AI, including principles, guidelines, and criteria to govern the acquisition, development and utilization of AI by state agencies.” Finally, the executive order directs ITS to engage with public and private sector stakeholders to “advise and/or provide recommendations, as needed, on best practices, uses, strategies, and other related tasks.”