State commission to study artificial intelligence technology - AL.com

Alabama now has one of the first state commissions formed to study the policy implications of artificial intelligence technology.

State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R--Vestavia Hills) proposed a joint resolution in the last legislative session, which Gov. Kay Ivey approved. The Alabama Commission on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Associated Technologies will make policy recommendations to advance AI’s growth in the state’s tech sector.

Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems able to perform certain tasks that mimic human cognition, such as speech recognition, translation and decision-making. Expects expect the sector to grow in years to come. A Bloomberg index this year ranked Alabama 46th of the 50 states in tech innovation. However, a Cyberstates study found that Alabama increased the number of job postings related to AI and other technologies by 57 percent last year.

Waggoner said the growing power of AI in the tech sector is one reason Alabama needs a commission, in order to coordinate the efforts of government, business and education.

“We have to have a discussion about building an AI-ready workforce and formulate policies to continue the transformative technologies of AI in a responsible way,” he said.

The 18-member commission will have 10 members appointed by the governor, along with Commerce Sec. Greg Canfield or a designee, Alabama’s acting Sec. of Information Technology Jim Purcell, two members appointed by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, two Alabama House members and two Alabama senators.

The commission is expected to release a report on its findings and recommendations by next May.

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