AI-augmented governance is a bold proposition, and administrators and officials must consider the social, political, and legal aspects before moving forward.
Last year, the House Speaker and Senate President directed the creation of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force to study how AI could help state government and Kentuckians, as well as what risks it might bring. That panel worked through the 2024 interim, gathering information, studying potential opportunities, and targeting how the state laws can be used to address AI.
The task force’s work led to the passage of SB 4, Kentucky’s first real AI policy. This bill legally defines basic AI terms and directs the Commonwealth Office of Technology to create rules for using AI. The goals are to support new ideas, protect personal data, and teach people about AI. It also sets rules for how state agencies use AI, including requirements for sharing when AI is used, keeping records, and watching for problems like AI-generated misinformation in elections.
However, the task force’s work is far from over as AI-technology continues to evolve. Legislative leadership directed the recreation of the task force to meet during this interim. The task force is charged to examine existing applications, foster innovation and competitiveness, promote AI literacy, and ensure responsible AI development and governance. Through this work, Kentucky can become a leader in AI innovation, policy reform, and informed advocacy.
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence is a type of computer program that helps machines make decisions like humans. Older examples include ATMs, search engines, and voice assistants. Newer AI systems are more advanced — they can write essays, analyze pictures, and predict trends. This is often called “generative AI,” which can create text, images, videos, or even code. Programs like ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot are examples of this technology.
Innovation and Limitations
AI has many possible benefits. In healthcare, it could help doctors diagnose illnesses faster and reduce paperwork. In schools, AI might help teachers plan lessons and give students personalized tutoring. However, there are risks. These include the potential to spread false information, deep fakes, and ethical questions about fairness and privacy.
Data Centers
Every internet search, photo upload, and ChatGPT query relies on a physical home: a data center. Now, as AI and cloud services grow, companies are constructing more data centers to meet the demand. Last year, Kentucky joined the competition to recruit such centers by offering tax incentives to companies looking for locations to build. However, local governments must be prepared to address data centers with the appropriate local ordinances, and utilities have to be ready to meet their needs.
Governance and Regulation
While AI can be an amazing tool, in many cases we have no idea how they make decisions. This is commonly referred to as the “black box problem.” And, let’s face it – it feels a little like unleashing Frankenstein. Additionally, AI models follow the rule of “garbage in, garbage out.” If the data they learn from is biased or otherwise incorrect the results will be too, and those results can look fair or accurate even when they are not. Data privacy risks with AI include unauthorized collection of sensitive information, unchecked surveillance, and potential breaches.
Banning or heavily limiting AI could cause as much harm as good. Instead, it is better to create clear rules that focus on transparency (being open about how AI is used) and accountability (making sure someone is responsible for its decisions). One way to do this is with “Human in the Loop” systems, which essentially means a person is always involved at important steps to check the AI’s work and make final decisions.
Rather than trying to block AI development, the state can guide it by setting clear goals, choosing trustworthy partners, and writing strong contracts so the technology grows in ways that benefit the public. The legislative task force will continue working towards these goals as we work on the agenda for the 2026 Regular Session. To follow along, visit the Committees section on the legislature’s website and click Special Committees. Recorded meetings are also available on the legislature’s YouTube page, @LRC Committee Meetings.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield
