Governor Tate Reeves Signs Executive Order on AI Technology in Mississippi
On January 8, 2025, Governor Tate Reeves signed an executive order aimed at implementing responsible artificial intelligence tactics to advance technology in Mississippi, fostering collaboration with stakeholders. This marked a historic moment as it was the first executive order in the state specifically focused on AI.
‘Today is a historic day for the state of Mississippi, and it is something that I am very proud of,’ Reeves stated during a press conference at the Walter Sillers Building.
Executive Order 1584 outlines policy recommendations that dictate the acquisition and use of AI based on principles of innovation, security, privacy, and safety.
The order instructs the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) to conduct an inventory of AI technologies that state agencies are planning, piloting, acquiring, developing, or utilizing. Additionally, the executive order calls for evaluating existing processes and guidelines related to AI in each agency.
Moreover, the order directs ITS to work with state agencies to develop policy recommendations for responsible AI use, incorporating principles and guidelines for acquisition and utilization. Lastly, ITS is directed to engage public and private stakeholders to provide insights and recommendations on best practices.
Reeves expressed optimism about Mississippi’s technological landscape, stating the state is experiencing an unprecedented wave of innovation and becoming a ‘major technology hub’ in the Southeastern United States. ‘AI has the potential to help our state, and it can help us attract even more record-breaking private sector capital investments,’ he remarked.
He highlighted the necessity of utilizing AI responsibly, ensuring privacy and security for citizens. ‘While we embrace AI, we must do so in a manner that includes safeguards for our people and our values,’ he said.
During the press conference, Reeves addressed ongoing collaboration with utility providers to improve power access in the state, mentioning significant investments in infrastructure projects, such as the Delta Blues Advanced Power Station in Washington County, which represents a $1.2 billion investment expected to be operational by 2028.
He also discussed Amazon Web Services’ $10 billion investment in hyperscale data centers in Madison County, projected to create 1,000 jobs.
When questioned about potential disruptions to workforce employment due to AI integration, Reeves acknowledged that while some disruption is anticipated, he does not foresee a significant impact on existing positions in the short term. Since his tenure as lieutenant governor, the number of state employees has decreased from 34,000 to just over 24,000, he explained.
Several state officials attended the press conference, including State Senator Bart Williams and Representative Jill Ford, both of whom praised Reeves’ proactive stance on advancing technology while protecting citizens’ privacy.
‘This directive ensures the ethical and transparent use of AI while acknowledging its transformative potential and necessary precautions against risks,’ Ford noted. Meanwhile, Williams emphasized the importance of Mississippi positioning itself as a technology destination, attributing this progress to the leadership of the governor and his team.
Overall, Mississippi’s new executive order regarding AI marks a significant step towards the state’s forward-thinking approach to technology, promising to enhance the state’s economic landscape through responsible integration of artificial intelligence.
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