Gov. Janet Mills said she signed an executive order on Friday to establish a task force to examine the opportunities and implications of artificial intelligence for Maine’s people, economy and institutions.
Mills said the executive order comes in response to a rapid surge of technological advancements that are poised to revolutionize how people live and work.
Nearly one-fifth of the U.S. workforce is classified as “highly exposed” to AI, making them particularly vulnerable to job transformations driven by advancements in artificial intelligence.
At the same time, AI has the potential to create new jobs and businesses, improve productivity and efficiency, and reduce barriers to entry in some technical fields.
According to Mills, the Maine Artificial Intelligence Task Force will bring together business, education, labor, government and community leaders to study the challenges and opportunities associated with the proliferation of AI.
Mills said the task force is charged with preparing policy recommendations that will position Maine to harness the benefits of AI while minimizing risks for people and businesses.
The governor’s executive order directs the task force to study and offer recommendations in a report no later than Oct. 31, 2025.
Mills said members of the 21-member task force will include leaders from Maine state and municipal government, the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System, as well as members representing Maine workers, businesses, health care, civil rights advocacy, and a consumer protection organization.
The governor will announce members of the Task Force in the coming weeks.
The governor’s executive order also establishes a Technical Advisory Committee comprised of subject matter experts in technology, legal issues, energy and workforce policy to advise the Task Force.