Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas is preparing to take a major step into the future of government technology after Sarah Huckabee Sanders received a comprehensive report outlining how artificial intelligence can be used to improve state services while protecting residents. The recommendations come from the state’s AI and Analytics Center of Excellence, which studied how Arkansas can adopt AI in a secure, efficient, and responsible way.
“AI is changing how we work, interact, and find information – and Arkansas can’t afford to be left behind,” said Governor Sanders. “I tasked our AI Center of Excellence with two goals: improving government services through AI while also strengthening protections for our citizens. As the AI landscape changes every single day, this report gives us a priority list to utilize the technology in positive ways and protect our citizens from its misuse.”
Using AI to improve government services
The first portion of the report focuses on Government Effectiveness and outlines ways artificial intelligence could strengthen Arkansas’ core operations. Recommendations include using AI-enabled tools to improve employee productivity and modernize agency workflows. The report also highlights opportunities to streamline services and make government more responsive and citizen-focused.
Officials say AI could help improve program integrity in major services such as Medicaid and SNAP, reducing fraud and improving oversight. Another recommendation is the creation of an AI-enabled Government Services Portal designed to make it easier for Arkansans to access state programs and information through a single digital gateway.
The goal, according to the report, is to create a government that is faster, leaner, and easier to navigate.
Safety, security, and public trust
The second portion of the report centers on Safety, Security, & Trust and provides a framework for implementing artificial intelligence in an ethical and transparent manner. The recommendations include establishing governance standards and creating a Chief Artificial intelligence Officer to oversee implementation.
The framework also calls for using National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines to evaluate AI systems, strengthening cybersecurity protections, improving the state’s data infrastructure, and setting transparency standards to maintain public trust.
In addition, the report emphasizes the importance of improving statewide AI literacy so government employees understand both the capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence tools. These safeguards are designed to reduce risks such as data exposure, algorithmic bias, and misuse of technology.
Building a foundation for the future
The AI and Analytics Center of Excellence gathered best practices, reviewed state systems, and evaluated where AI can be safely deployed. The report provides practical recommendations intended to improve operations, enhance public services, and protect Arkansans as technology continues to evolve.
Governor Sanders launched the working group in June 2024 to study safe AI use in state government. The center’s mission focuses on protecting data, improving services, and preparing Arkansas for future workforce and technology changes.
“Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, the AI CoE brought forward strong, practical recommendations. I appreciate the depth of work involved in this process. We are now prepared to carry this framework forward, strengthen our workforce, and put these ideas into practice to improve services for Arkansans,” said Shared Administrative Services Secretary Leslie Fisken.
“These reports lay out how Arkansas can adopt AI responsibly, modernize core government services, and reduce administrative burden while protecting residents’ privacy and security. The AI CoE has done outstanding work translating complex issues into clear, actionable recommendations that will help us serve Arkansans better, and I deeply appreciate their service and commitment to the people of Arkansas,” said Chief Data Officer & Senior Policy Advisor Robert McGough.
State leaders say the roadmap positions Arkansas to embrace innovation while ensuring strong safeguards remain in place, balancing technological progress with accountability and public trust.
