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Gov. Phil Murphy announced a series of steps Oct. 10 that his administration is taking to study and adapt to rapidly developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

In addition to studying emerging AI technologies, the task force will be responsible for analyzing the potential impacts of AI on society while preparing recommendations and ensuring that the state’s use of AI is fair, accessible and beneficial to all New Jerseyans.

“With the rapid development of AI, New Jersey aspires to harness these new technologies and realize their benefits to better serve our state, encourage innovation and economic growth, and promote social and economic equity,” said Murphy in a press release. “I am proud to establish a task force that will not only work to understand the benefits of AI but also analyze its growth and potential risks. It is critical that New Jersey continue to foster an environment for innovation while protecting individual and civil rights, and I am confident that the AI Task Force will further this important mission.”

The task force will be led by three co-chairs: the Office of Information Technology chief technology officer, the Office of Innovation chief innovation officer, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) chief executive officer.

It will also include the director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; the commissioner of the Department of Education; the secretary of higher education; the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; the director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; and the attorney general, or their designees.

“As co-chair of the state’s AI Task Force, I am pleased to partner with my colleagues from across the administration by investing in the state’s public workforce and making it possible for New Jersey’s public professionals to learn how to use AI for public benefit,” said New Jersey Chief Innovation Officer Beth Simone Noveck.

“We recognize the immense potential of generative AI as a powerful tool to elevate our Executive Branch agencies’ services,” said New Jersey CTO Chris Rein. “Our approach to implementing this technology in state government is marked by careful attention to security, resident data privacy, equitable access, and stringent bias prevention measures. We are committed to ensuring that NJ residents benefit from these advancements while upholding our values.”

Tim Sullivan, co-chair of the new task force and NJEDA chief executive officer, said that New Jersey’s highly educated technology and talent pool as well as its innovation legacy positions the state well for national leadership in this area.

“I applaud Gov. Murphy’s proactive approach to ensure the risks and benefits of AI are appropriately understood, while also working to ensure our businesses and innovation leaders are at the forefront of the emerging field,” said Sullivan. “I look forward to working with the task force to help secure New Jersey’s role as a leader in AI and help grow and diversify our economy.”

Murphy’s office says that the task force, which was established via Executive Order No. 346, will organize as soon as possible following the appointments of its members. The governor also reserves the right to add additional members to the task force, which will consult with industry leaders, academic, experts, consumer advocates, government innovators and others to build out recommendations.

A report will be issued by the co-chairs within a year, which will be made available to the Legislature and the public at the same time.

‘A transformative tool’

Additionally, Murphy announced other AI-related efforts on Tuesday.

To educate the state workforce about the development, use and risks of AI, the state Office of Innovation will launch a free AI training program in the coming months in collaboration with InnovateUS.

Various agencies and departments are also being tasked with AI-related responsibilities including:

• NJEDA will explore ways that AI can stimulate economic growth, job creation, and be deployed by employers to enhance training and talent development, especially for low-income residents.
• The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education will review AI technologies as research opportunities for colleges and universities in New Jersey.
• The Office of Information Technology will develop a policy to govern and facilitate AI use by departments and agencies in the Executive Branch as well as evaluate tools and strategies to improve government services through AI.
• The Office of Information Technology, Office of Innovation and the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will support departments and agencies in responsibly deploying AI technologies to improve the delivery of government services.

“Generative AI is poised to be a transformative tool for government service delivery,” Simone Noveck added. “With today’s announcement, New Jersey is leading the way by preparing our government’s professionals to enhance the equitable delivery of government services to New Jersey’s residents, businesses, and institutions.”

The announcement comes just days after the 2023 Propelify Innovation Festival, which had a theme this year of “All About AI,” and featured remarks from Murphy.

“Artificial intelligence presents us with a new frontier, and it is poised to dramatically transform our lives,” said Murphy on Oct. 5. “So, I’m glad you have chosen to focus on it at this year’s festival.”