The state’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force released its final report on the emerging technology and its implications for Mainers on Friday.

The 21-member task force, established by Gov. Janet Mills, began meeting in January and has since developed dozens of recommendations on how the state can navigate the age of AI.

“I thank the members of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force, the many experts who contributed to its work, and the Maine people who shared their perspectives to inform this detailed report,” Mills said in a statement on Friday. “This report sets a responsible AI direction for Maine to bolster innovation and our economy, while offering guidance on the safe and productive use of AI.”

The 33 recommendations outlined in the final report revolve around AI’s role in Maine’s economic, health care and educational institutions, the public sector and more.

ECONOMY & WORKFORCE

Some recommendations are broad, such as “pursuing new economic opportunities where AI can broaden prosperity and create good jobs.”

Others were more pinpointed, such as expanding entrepreneurial assistance for AI-related startups and businesses, and helping companies, nonprofits and community organizations enhance cybersecurity.

The task force also recommends improving access to the technology and providing workforce training opportunities.

“AI is transforming how work gets done, but Maine’s greatest strength will always be its people,” said Laura Fortman, a task force member and the commissioner of the Department of Labor. 

The report also includes strategies on how to use AI to expand and elevate existing economic and workforce programs.

HEALTH & EDUCATION

Many recommendations in the report focus on educating Mainers about AI.

That includes monitoring its impact on staff and students, providing AI-literacy training, and exploring how it may be best implemented by educators.

“We recognize the power of these tools to enhance learning but also know that technology must always serve learning and development — not replace them,” said Pender Makin, task force member and the commissioner of Department of Education.

Another recommendation is to focus efforts on discovering how AI could improve rural health care.

“AI has the potential to expand access to care, particularly in rural Maine, and to support providers in delivering high-quality services,” said Sara Gagné-Holmes, task force member and the commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services. “As we explore these tools, we must also protect privacy and ensure that care remains human-centered.”

Other health-related recommendations include ensuring it is safely implemented and used to patients’ benefit, as well as providing training in AI for health care professionals.

PROTECTION & GOVERNMENT

The task force also provided recommendations focused on protecting Mainers from AI-related harm.

Some of the most detailed recommendations in the report revolve around this, including pursuing legislation where protections against AI are lacking, ensuring the state is equipped to respond to any harm inflicted, and is aware of the risk associated with the technology.

The report also urges the state to affirm what existing laws may already apply to AI and suggests that regulatory actions and policies may need to be considered in the future.

The task force also recommended that the state prepare to adopt the technology itself and be transparent about how it does so.

“These recommendations provide solid footing for the Legislature as we seek to protect Maine people from the risks of AI while preparing them for the opportunities it presents,” said Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Hancock, a task force member. “I’m proud of the task force’s work to strike this balance, prioritize transparency, and position our local communities for safe and productive access to this rapidly maturing technology.”