The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is gaining momentum in various Texas agencies, as they assess the possibilities and plan for the future. During the recent meeting of the state’s AI advisory council, representatives from four agencies showcased their AI initiatives and outlined their strategies for leveraging this rapidly-developing technology.
The Texas Department of Information Resources, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas were among the agencies represented in the council meeting. State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, co-chair of the advisory council, highlighted that these witnesses had been invited to testify, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to shaping AI policies in the state. Capriglione played a pivotal role in the passage of legislation establishing the council during the previous legislative session.
Discovering Safer Roads with AI Incident Detection
One notable AI initiative comes from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Anh Selissen, the chief information officer for TxDOT, shared insights into their “cautiously innovative” approach to AI. Selissen discussed a pilot program for AI incident detection, which utilizes software to analyze areas with the highest safety risks in construction and maintenance. The aim is to enhance incident notification and response times, as well as provide better coverage for any issues that may arise.
The pilot program, currently implemented within the Austin district, has proven successful in minimizing response times by five to 10 minutes. The positive impact of this initiative impressed the council’s co-chairs. The aspiration is to expand the AI incident detection software statewide, ensuring safer roads for all Texans.
The Teacher Retirement System Explores AI Opportunities
Representatives from the Teacher Retirement System presented the council with their AI plans, highlighting that they are in the early stages of implementation. Although no specific projects have been rolled out yet, the agency has developed a policy concerning AI and established a review team to explore future opportunities. Notably, the representatives clarified that AI will never be used to make decisions, but rather to supplement information to assist human decision-makers.
Legislation and Council Responsibilities
Last year, House Bill 2060 established the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council in Texas. This legislation appointed Council Co-Chair Capriglione, along with Co-Chair Texas Sen. Tan Parker, to lead the council. Additionally, Gov. Greg Abbott appointed four prominent individuals, including experts in cybersecurity and information technology, to serve on the council.
As mandated by the law, all Texas agencies must submit automated decision systems inventory reports by July 1. These reports detail the development, implementation, or procurement of automated decision systems within each agency. The AI advisory council will review these reports and present their findings to state lawmakers before December 1. The council’s report will explore how agencies are utilizing automated systems and evaluate the necessity of an AI code of ethics, along with proposing policy recommendations. Importantly, the report will be submitted just before the start of the legislative session.
It is essential to note that the advisory council’s existence is temporary, as it will expire on January 1, 2025, unless further legislation is introduced to extend its term. The council plans to hold monthly meetings, with intentions to incorporate public testimony at some point in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How are Texas agencies currently using artificial intelligence?
A: Texas agencies are harnessing AI to improve incident detection on roads, enhance safety measures, and explore potential opportunities in various sectors.
Q: Are the AI initiatives being implemented by these agencies permanent?
A: The AI advisory council is a time-bound initiative and is set to expire on January 1, 2025, unless subsequent legislation is introduced to extend its duration.
Q: What role does the AI advisory council play in shaping AI policies in the state?
A: The council acts as a governing body, responsible for reviewing inventory reports on automated decision systems submitted by Texas agencies and providing policy recommendations to state lawmakers.
Q: Will the council engage the public in its discussions and decisions?
A: Yes, the council plans to open its meetings to include public testimony, ensuring broader perspectives are considered in shaping AI policies in Texas.
The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is on the rise in Texas agencies, as they explore the possibilities and plan for the future. During a recent meeting of the state’s AI advisory council, representatives from various agencies showcased their AI initiatives and outlined their strategies for leveraging this rapidly-developing technology.
The Texas Department of Information Resources, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas were among the agencies that presented their AI initiatives during the council meeting. State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, co-chair of the advisory council, emphasized the significance of their contributions to shaping AI policies in the state. Capriglione played a vital role in the passage of legislation that established the council during the previous legislative session.
One prominent AI initiative comes from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Anh Selissen, the chief information officer for TxDOT, discussed their “cautiously innovative” approach to AI. Selissen highlighted a pilot program for AI incident detection, which uses software to analyze areas with the highest safety risks in construction and maintenance. The aim is to enhance incident notification and response times, as well as provide better coverage for any issues that may arise. The pilot program, currently implemented in the Austin district, has successfully reduced response times by five to 10 minutes. The goal is to expand the AI incident detection software statewide, with the aim of ensuring safer roads for all Texans.
The Teacher Retirement System presented their AI plans to the council, stating that they are in the early stages of implementation. While no specific projects have been rolled out yet, they have developed a policy concerning AI and established a review team to explore future opportunities. It was clarified that AI will never be used to make decisions but rather to supplement information and assist human decision-makers.
The Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council in Texas was established by House Bill 2060 last year. The legislation appointed Council Co-Chair Capriglione and Co-Chair Texas Sen. Tan Parker to lead the council. In addition, four experts in cybersecurity and information technology were appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve on the council. The law mandates that all Texas agencies submit automated decision systems inventory reports by July 1, which will be reviewed by the AI advisory council. The council will then present their findings to state lawmakers before December 1. The council’s report will explore how agencies are utilizing automated systems and evaluate the need for an AI code of ethics, in addition to proposing policy recommendations. It is important to note that the AI advisory council’s term is temporary, set to expire on January 1, 2025, unless further legislation is introduced to extend its duration. The council plans to hold monthly meetings and intends to incorporate public testimony at some point in the future.
The AI initiatives being implemented by Texas agencies are not permanent since the AI advisory council itself has a limited term. However, the council’s recommendations and policies may have a lasting impact on how AI is integrated into various sectors in the state.
To learn more about the AI initiatives in Texas, you can visit the main domain of the Texas Department of Information Resources at dir.texas.gov and the main domain of the Texas Department of Transportation at txdot.gov.
For additional information on the AI advisory council and its responsibilities, you can visit the main domain of the Texas Legislature at capitol.texas.gov.
To stay updated on the latest news and developments related to AI in Texas, you can refer to the main domain of the Texas Workforce Commission at twc.texas.gov and the main domain of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas at trs.texas.gov.
The source of the article is from the blog radiohotmusic.it