Maryland Governor Announces Actions to Modernize State Government
This week, Governor Wes Moore announced four significant actions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, user-centered design in digital services, ensuring equal access to all information technology, and protecting Maryland’s digital infrastructure through enhanced intergovernmental partnerships.
“In our first year, we learned that it isn’t enough to rebuild state government—we need to modernize state government too,” said Governor Moore. “Together, we will improve the experience that Marylanders have on state websites to make it easier to access state resources; together, we will ensure that all state services are accessible to the public — including individuals with disabilities; and together, we will bolster cybersecurity across the public sector so we remain safe from cyberattacks.”
Artificial Intelligence: Catalyzing Responsible Use in Maryland State Government
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the world and how we live, work, and communicate. For state and local governments, AI can mean streamlined processes, enhanced service delivery, improved public safety and security, fraud detection and prevention, data analytics, and regulatory compliance. Perhaps most importantly, this rapidly evolving technology can revolutionize resident engagement and input.
However, implementing and regulating AI comes with challenges, including concerns about privacy, security, oversight, equity, accessibility, and bias — and risks are especially acute in sectors like human resources, healthcare, criminal justice, and financial services.
The Artificial Intelligence Executive Order directs the foundational work to catalyze state agencies’ responsible and productive use of artificial intelligence. The executive order also establishes an AI Subcabinet that will develop and implement a comprehensive AI action plan to operationalize the State’s AI principles and create appropriate “guard rails” for agencies’ use of AI. The AI Subcabinet will also promote AI knowledge, skills, and talent in state government.
Maryland Creates Digital Service Team to Improve User Experience
Maryland Digital Service aims to support state agency needs with a team of state product managers, user researchers, designers, and engineers, which the department has never had in-house. This team will support website and application redesigns and discovery efforts for agencies to inform more accurate and agile procurements.
The new innovative team will focus on well-designed and user-centered digital experiences to increase trust in government and decrease the cost of serving and supporting agencies in delivering on their critical missions.
Maryland Implements Digital Accessibility Policy for Equal Access
This policy aims to ensure equal access to State-procured and developed information technology and services for all Marylanders, regardless of ability. It aims to provide the highest degree of usability for everyone.
Maryland Establishes Cybersecurity Task Force for Proactive Measures
The newly established Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force will bring together cybersecurity experts from the Maryland Department of Information Technology, the Maryland Military Department, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security to foster a whole-of-government approach to proactive cybersecurity.
“The collective actions we are announcing today are the beginning of where we need to go as a state and a nation,” said Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage. “To be competitive and include everyone in our success, we must embrace new technology while ensuring it is secure and accessible to all.”
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Analyst comment
This news can be evaluated as positive. The actions announced by the Maryland Governor to modernize state government through the use of artificial intelligence, user-centered design, ensuring equal access to technology, and enhancing cybersecurity will likely lead to improved efficiency, accessibility, and security in state services. This can positively impact resident engagement, service delivery, and government operations overall.
