Missouri Expands AI in Government While Lawmakers Push Guardrails
Missouri is moving forward with artificial intelligence adoption across state agencies while simultaneously developing regulations to manage potential risks. Gov. Mike Kehoe issued Executive Order 26-02 to establish a statewide framework for AI integration, even as state senators advance bills to define the technology and limit harms.
The state has already tested AI tools in pilot programs involving 180 employees from 14 agencies. The results show measurable gains in efficiency.
Early Results Show Time Savings
Reports that previously took two to three days now take about an hour with human quality assurance, according to Dr. Josh Wymer, the state health department's chief health information and data strategy officer. Hotline technicians who process up to 100 reports per hour used AI to cut intake time significantly by identifying urgent cases faster.
"These tools are not meant to replace experts, but to support and expand their work," Wymer said.
Tim Marczewski, head of Missouri AI, oversees the pilot programs testing chatbots and digital assistants. He said the executive order "activates specific mandates across our government to ensure every sector is aligned."
Regulation Moves in Parallel
While state agencies deploy AI, lawmakers are advancing legislation to regulate its use. A Missouri Senate committee recently heard testimony on multiple bills that would define AI and establish guardrails.
Proposed measures include requiring disclaimers on AI-generated content, preventing chatbots from posing as licensed professionals, and establishing legal accountability for harm caused by AI systems. Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said the state needs "some framework of guidelines, so that we can know what the limitations should be and do our best to avoid harm."
Brittany Pratt, a clinical psychologist who testified before lawmakers, emphasized that "to have some guardrails, to have some definitions, I think, are really important."
Business Groups Warn Against Overregulation
The Chamber of Commerce has raised concerns about the regulatory approach. Jared Hankinson of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce warned that unclear rules could discourage investment in the state.
State officials say both efforts-expanding AI use and regulating it-serve a single strategy. "You want to watch what AI is being used for," Kehoe said, "and to try and utilize it to reduce workloads and increase efficiency, hopefully delivering a better customer experience for the taxpayer."
The executive order also directs agencies to develop workforce training programs, review business incentives, and evaluate energy costs associated with AI infrastructure, particularly data centers.
For government professionals, understanding both the practical applications and regulatory framework around AI is becoming essential. Resources on AI for Government and AI Agents & Automation can help you navigate these developments in your own work.
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