Maine Governor Reveals AI Task Force Report

Published Date : 01/11/2025 

The final report of Governor Janet Mills' Task Force on Artificial Intelligence outlines 33 recommendations to enhance innovation and safeguard against potential harms in Maine's economy, workforce, and institutions. 

Governor Janet Mills has announced the final report of her Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and implications of AI technology for Maine's people, economy, and institutions. The 21-member Task Force, established by Governor Mills through an Executive Order in December 2024, includes State and local officials, legislators, education representatives, and business and non-profit leaders.

The Task Force delivered a set of 33 recommendations aimed at bolstering innovation related to AI while strengthening guardrails against its potential harms. Governor Mills expressed her gratitude to the Task Force members and the many experts who contributed to the report, stating, “This report sets a responsible AI direction for Maine to bolster innovation and our economy, while offering guidance on the safe and productive use of AI.”

Mary Dickinson, Task Force Co-chair and Chief Scientific Officer at The Jackson Laboratory, emphasized the importance of the report, noting, “Maine is laying the groundwork to lead in how AI shapes our future, from education to health to the economy. Maine innovators, including my colleagues at JAX who advance AI-driven biomedical research every day and leaders in other sectors, are excited to help chart a path where innovation improves lives and strengthens communities across the state.”

David Daigler, Task Force Co-chair and President of the Maine Community College System, highlighted the critical nature of the Task Force's work, stating, “AI already has an outsized impact on our professional and personal lives, and its rapid growth, power, and potential make it clear why the work of the Maine AI Task Force is critical right now. AI can do great things, but there are also risks that must be addressed. The thoughtful, collaborative work of the Task Force has led to strong and specific recommendations that set the stage for Maine policymakers as they navigate this rapidly evolving field.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that perform tasks by mimicking human-like intelligence through pattern recognition, predictive modeling, language processing, and content generation. Over recent years, the use of AI has rapidly expanded with the emergence of new tools and its widespread integration into the economy. The final report positions Maine for continued collaboration on AI across state government, education, businesses, communities, and the public around this fast-evolving technology.

Governor Mills charged the Task Force, supported by the expertise of a 10-member Technical Advisory Committee, with exploring how to:

1. Prepare Maine's economy and workforce for the opportunities and risks likely to result from advances in AI.

2. Protect Maine residents from potentially harmful uses of AI technologies.

3. Deploy AI technologies at State agencies, quasi-State agencies, and other public entities such as municipalities to address capacity gaps and improve service delivery.

Since convening in January, the Task Force heard from nearly 30 AI experts from across Maine and solicited responses from Maine people on AI concerns and opportunities during its public process. Per the Governor's executive order, the Task Force was required to deliver its final report by October 31, 2025.

Leading findings of the Task Force include:

1. Recognizing that AI literacy is foundational to both maximizing its benefits and mitigating its risks, the Task Force recommended launching a public AI literacy campaign to help Mainers navigate the emerging technology in their daily lives, including older adults and youth.

2. For Maine's economy and workforce, its recommendations capture opportunities to increase productivity, create new industries, and support entrepreneurs through AI, while acknowledging the potential for job disruption in fields ranging from manufacturing to professional services.

3. The Task Force also explored AI's implications for Maine's education system, recommending support for innovation, educator training, and deeper dialogue at the local level, as well as for health care, where AI can improve delivery of services and expand access in rural communities with support for safe and responsible use.

4. The Task Force emphasized the importance of responding to the risks AI poses, including privacy of personal data, cybersecurity, and deepfakes such as manipulated voices, images, and personas. It recommended exploring protections for consumers, children, and creative industries without preventing Maine people from accessing opportunities with potentially substantial benefits.

5. The Task Force explored how AI can transform the work of State agencies and local governments to better serve residents. The Task Force recommended that the State enhance planning and transparency around the use of AI tools at state agencies and develop a structured approach to responding to AI-related development projects, such as data centers.

Members of the Task Force welcomed the final report, highlighting its value in finding balance between acknowledging the potential benefits of AI, while recognizing the concerns about the impacts of AI technology on Maine. Jay Brenchick, Task Force Member and Director of Economic Development for the City of Auburn, noted, “As Maine explores how artificial intelligence can strengthen public services, this report highlights a critical opportunity for municipal governments. AI can help cities like Auburn address capacity gaps, streamline permitting and licensing, improve customer service, and modernize outdated systems -- even when resources are limited. But innovation must be balanced with protection. As we adopt these tools, we also have a responsibility to safeguard resident data, ensure transparency, and promote AI literacy. Maine's leadership on this issue shows that we can embrace technology while keeping our communities safe, informed, and well-served.”

John Brautigam, Task Force Member and Executive Director of Legal Services for Maine's Elders, added, “The Task Force report is an important step toward ensuring that Maine meets the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence with foresight and fairness. Its proactive recommendations position the state as a leader in crafting a thoughtful, humane policy for this new era. Older Mainers will not be left behind -- the report recognizes both their vulnerabilities and their capacity to benefit from these advancements when supported with the right tools and protections.”

Pender Makin, Task Force Member and Maine Education Commissioner, emphasized, “Maine's approach to the use of AI in education reflects our commitment to both innovation and care. We recognize the power of these tools to enhance learning but also know that technology must always serve learning and development--not replace them. The recommendations from the Governor's Task Force will help to ensure that we keep students' curiosity, creativity, and well-being at the center of every decision, as Maine explores what is possible.”

Sara Gagné-Holmes, Task Force Member and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner, stated, “AI has the potential to expand access to care, particularly in rural Maine, and to support providers in delivering high-quality services. As we explore these tools, we must also protect privacy and ensure that care remains human-centered. This report provides a thoughtful and strategic path to advance innovation and transform delivery systems while keeping Maine people at the forefront.”

Laura Fortman, Task Force Member and Maine Labor Commissioner, highlighted, “AI is transforming how work gets done, but Maine's greatest strength will always be its people. The Governor's Task Force has paved the way to ensure that Maine workers have the skills, training, and opportunities they need to thrive and keep our economy strong. We are committed to understanding how these constantly evolving technologies are changing the world of work now and into the future.”

Sen. Nicole Grohoski of Hancock County, a Task Force member, added, “These recommendations provide solid footing for the Legislature as we seek to protect Maine people from the risks of AI while preparing them for the opportunities it presents. I'm proud of the Task Force's work to strike this balance, prioritize transparency, and position our local communities for safe and productive access to this rapidly maturing technology.”

Rep. Dan Sayre of Kennebunk, a Task Force member, noted, “AI is now part of every facet of our lives, from our jobs and investments to our most private interactions with professionals, family, and friends. This report offers a balanced set of recommendations for the state to navigate this confusing new territory so that we can take advantage of opportunities, adapt to dramatic changes, and protect ourselves from harm and abuse.”

Rep. Mathew McIntyre of Lowell, a Task Force member, concluded, “I truly appreciate the opportunity to have joined the Governor's Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. The team engaged in direct, professional, non-partisan, and critical evaluation of a very complex technology that is advancing at an unprecedented rate. The Task Force has produced a solid set of recommendations upon which to build as AI usage continues to become more ubiquitous. As the initial rollouts of the internet and social media taught us, we must recognize and seize opportunities while responding swiftly and decisively to mitigate hazards.”

The AI Task Force report, along with recordings and materials from its meetings and a full list of its members, is available on the Task Force website. The Task Force was supported by staff from the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and Maine's Office of Information Technology. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the purpose of the AI Task Force in Maine?

A: The AI Task Force in Maine was established to explore the opportunities and implications of AI technology for the state's people, economy, and institutions, and to provide recommendations for responsible AI use.

Q: What are the key recommendations of the Task Force?

A: The Task Force recommended launching a public AI literacy campaign, preparing the economy and workforce for AI, protecting residents from harmful uses of AI, and enhancing the use of AI in state agencies and local governments.

Q: How does the report address the potential risks of AI?

A: The report emphasizes the importance of addressing privacy, cybersecurity, and the creation of deepfakes, and recommends exploring protections for consumers, children, and creative industries.

Q: What role does AI literacy play in the Task Force's recommendations?

A: AI literacy is recognized as foundational to both maximizing the benefits of AI and mitigating its risks. The Task Force recommended launching a public AI literacy campaign to help Mainers navigate the emerging technology.

Q: How will the recommendations impact Maine's education system?

A: The recommendations include support for innovation, educator training, and deeper dialogue at the local level to ensure that AI enhances learning and development while keeping students' well-being at the center. 

More Related Topics :