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Gov. Reeves’ executive order on AI seeks responsible use of advanced tech for Mississippi

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Gov. Reeves’ executive order on AI seeks responsible use of advanced tech for Mississippi

Gov. Tate Reeves signed an executive order Wednesday aimed at implementing responsible artificial intelligence tactics to push Mississippi forward in technology advancement while fostering collaboration with stakeholders. This is Mississippi’s first executive order pertaining to AI.

“Today is a historic day for the state of Mississippi, and it’s something that I’m very proud of,” Reeves said during Wednesday’s press conference at the Walter Sillers Building.

Executive Order 1584 states policy recommendations for the acquisition and use of Al shall be rooted in the principles of innovation, security, privacy and safety in the state.

Reeves said the order 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 executive order also directs ITS to “evaluate the processes, guidelines and/or uses of AI currently in place at each state agency.”

Additionally, Reeves said 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.”

According to Reeves, Mississippi is experiencing technological innovation “like never before” and is becoming a “major technology hub” in the Southeastern United States.

“AI has the potential to help our state, and it has the potential to really help our people,” Reeves said. “It can help Mississippi continue its momentum, and it can help us attract even more record-breaking private sector capital investments. We are excited for its potential. However, like anything new, it is critical that this technology be utilized and implemented responsibly and carefully. My EO (executive order) will help Mississippi embrace AI in ways that ensure our continued technological advancement, while also maintaining privacy and security for our state and our fellow Mississippians.”

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During Wednesday’s press conference, Reeves said officials have worked and are working with the state’s utility providers and public service commission to assess the availability of power in the state. Reeves then provided examples of investments in power infrastructure projects.

One investment mentioned was The Delta Blues Advanced Power Station in Washington County that is a $1.2 billion investment by Entergy expected to be online in 2028. Officials with Entergy Mississippi said the station will be a 754-megawatt facility capable of powering 385,000 homes across Entergy Mississippi’s 45-county service area.

Another investment mentioned was Amazon Web Services, which is investing $10 billion to construct two “hyperscale data centers” in Madison County. The project is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs.

“When you think about where we find ourselves, I think we are well positioned,” Reeves said. “I know we’ve spent the last several years positioning ourselves, and I think you’ll see over the next year or so even more conversations about additional strategies that we as a state can implement. We don’t just want to win in economic development in 2024 and 2025, we want to set up our state so that we can continue to win in 2034 and 2035, and beyond. And the availability of power is certainly going to be a piece of that.”

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Reeves also addressed workforce employment in state government saying technology has been a factor in contributing to changes in employment opportunities for “basically the entirety” of the nation.

In response to how Reeves can ensure Mississippians won’t be negatively impacted by his AI executive order, Reeves said there is going to be “some disruption” but does not anticipate there being “significant disruption” in the short term for employees who work for state government.

“The reality is, when I became lieutenant governor, January 2012, we had 34,000 state employees. Today, we have just over 24,000. We have more today than we had four years ago,” Reeves said.

State Sen. Bart Williams, chairman of the Mississippi Senate Technology Committee, and Mississippi House Technology Committee Chairwoman Rep. Jill Ford were in attendance at the press conference.

Both extended their appreciation toward Reeves’ efforts to advance technology in the state while keeping Mississippians’ privacy protected.

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Ford said she applauds Reeves for his “proactive steps” to responsibly integrate intelligent technologies into the state’s government operations.

“This directive ensures the ethical and transparent use of AI while recognizing its transformative potential and the need to address associated risks,” Ford said. “By implementing a statewide inventory of artificial intelligence systems and developing robust policies, we aim to harness innovation while upholding citizen trust and aligning with their state’s values.”

Adding to Ford’s statements, Williams described how he and Ford traveled the nation learning about artificial intelligence and other technology topics.

“When we started that journey, I’ve made the comment several times, that we’re going to become a technology destination. I was so wrong,” Williams said. “We are a technology destination because the leadership of our governor and his agencies.”

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