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Idaho’s Journey with AI in State Government
Idaho is taking significant steps to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its state government operations. One of the most visible examples is a new chatbot developed by the Idaho Division of Human Resources, which offers quick answers to visitors of the state’s website. This AI-powered tool is designed to navigate through various state government websites and provide information efficiently.
However, when asked a straightforward question like “How many state employees does Idaho have?” the chatbot provided an answer that was clearly incorrect. It claimed nearly a third of Idaho’s over 2 million population works for the state, which is far from accurate. The correct figure depends on how the question is phrased. When more specific details are requested, such as the number of “active” state employees, the response becomes more precise.
According to Janelle White, Idaho HR Administrator, the correct number of active state employees is approximately 23,546. This highlights the importance of formulating clear and specific questions when interacting with AI tools. As White noted, the effectiveness of the chatbot is directly tied to the quality of the input it receives.
The Broader Use of AI in Idaho
The chatbot is just one example of how Idaho state government agencies are beginning to adopt AI technology. With growing interest and concern among state agencies and employees, the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services is developing a long-term plan to guide the responsible use of AI within the state government.
Alberto Gonzalez, Administrator of the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services, emphasized the potential benefits of AI, including increased efficiency and effectiveness in government operations. He believes that automation and machine learning can significantly improve the way government services are delivered.
Gonzalez pointed out that AI has a wide range of applications, from handling routine tasks like customer service and data entry to generating reports and detecting fraud. However, he also acknowledged concerns about data governance, particularly the issue of how widely data can be accessed.
Addressing Concerns and Building Trust
One of the primary concerns regarding AI in state government is the potential impact on employment. While some national experts suggest that AI could reduce the workforce, Gonzalez acknowledged this possibility but stressed that it would take time. He explained that AI could automate certain tasks, freeing up staff to focus on other responsibilities, potentially leading to a reduction in workforce size over time.
To address these concerns and ensure responsible AI implementation, the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services has drafted a comprehensive plan. The guidance outlines a four-step approach to implementing AI in state government over two years, starting with establishing a foundation for AI governance and moving on to pilot projects and broader implementation.
Transparency and ethical alignment are central to the plan. Every AI system must meet clear standards for explainability, auditability, and ethical considerations. Transparency is not optional; it is foundational to building trust with the public.
Legal and Legislative Context
In addition to the internal guidelines being developed, Idaho has taken legislative action to regulate AI. In 2024, the state passed three laws targeting issues such as deep fakes and AI-generated material that exploits children. These laws reflect Idaho’s commitment to addressing the challenges and risks associated with AI while ensuring responsible use.
Congress initially considered a 10-year ban on state AI regulations, but this proposal was ultimately removed. This decision allows states like Idaho to continue developing their own regulatory frameworks for AI.
Ongoing Development and Testing
Despite the progress, there are still challenges to overcome. The Idaho HR AI chatbot, for instance, continues to face issues when answering specific questions. When the Idaho Capital Sun asked the chatbot the same question that White used, it could not provide an answer. This underscores the need for continuous refinement and improvement of AI tools.
Similarly, the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is testing an AI chatbot as part of a pilot project. However, this tool is currently only available for internal testing and is not yet open to the public. Officials say it will remain in testing until it is ready for broader use.
The DMV’s AI tool is designed to streamline the process of searching through large volumes of information, but it does not have access to any personally identifiable information. Only a small group of ITD employees are using the tool, focusing on testing its accuracy and learning how to best formulate questions to get reliable answers.
As Idaho continues to explore the potential of AI, the focus remains on responsible implementation, transparency, and building trust with the public. The journey is ongoing, but the state is committed to leveraging AI to enhance government services and improve efficiency for all residents.
