
October 21, 2024
Over the last two years, Wisconsin has emerged as a proactive state in evaluating artificial intelligence (AI) and considering its legislative implications.
The state’s focus has been sharpened by three prominent task forces and committees, each tasked with understanding the role of AI in different sectors of society.
These initiatives – The Speaker’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence and the Legislative Council Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence – have provided invaluable insights into the state’s approach to AI.
Here’s a review of the progress made, the challenges faced and the vision these task forces have laid out for the future of AI in Wisconsin.
A year in review: AI knowledge and advocacy
The last 18 months have seen remarkable advancements in the development and application of AI technologies.
AI, while being a subject of research for decades, only truly began to gain momentum in the public sphere with the advent of General Large Language Models (LLMs).
Since their widespread commercial introduction two years ago, these models have bridged the gap between specialized AI disciplines and the wider computational landscape, making AI more accessible to the general public.
The evolution of AI
For more than 30 years, AI has evolved from niche research projects to an essential part of modern technology.
In the last five years, breakthroughs in combining various AI disciplines – natural language processing, machine learning and computer vision – into comprehensive systems powered by LLMs have democratized AI, allowing both consumers and businesses to access tools previously limited to major tech companies.
However, not all AI developments have been equal.
In the wake of LLMs becoming mainstream, a wave of AI-related products flooded the market, often without clear differentiation or genuine innovation.
Many companies, eager to capitalize on the AI wave, have introduced solutions with varying levels of depth, leaving consumers and businesses navigating a crowded marketplace as they seek out offerings that provide real, long-term value.
The result is a saturated market with overlapping, redundant products, making it difficult for users to determine what tools will truly enhance their operations.
Impact on service delivery
AI service providers are still finding their footing in applying generative AI within business environments, and businesses should approach with caution.
Many product-based providers are marketing solutions that lack the depth required for real-world business needs.
Custom AI service providers, while often equipped with technical expertise in areas like process improvement and RPA, are still developing their capabilities in generative AI.
It’s important for businesses to seek clarity and thoroughness from service providers, encouraging collaboration and adopting a proof-of-value approach to test solutions before committing to any major organizational changes.
For example, companies can start small by collaborating with AI providers on pilot projects (e.g., AI-driven customer service automation) to assess value – such as improved customer response times – while closely monitoring integration challenges and cost-effectiveness before committing to broader organizational changes.
AI and legislative developments in Wisconsin
Against this backdrop of AI’s rapid development, Wisconsin has made notable legislative strides.
The state has organized three key initiatives to assess the impact of AI and develop appropriate legislative responses.
- The Speaker’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence: Chaired by Rep. Nate Gustafson, this task force was established to assess AI’s role in society and its potential regulatory needs. In February 2024, the task force submitted its recommendations, advocating for a cautious approach. It suggested that the private sector be allowed to self-regulate while the government audits its use of AI.
- The Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence: This task force, established by Gov. Tony Evers, released its action plan in July. The task force focused on how AI could impact the workforce and foster collaboration between government, educational institutions, businesses and community organizations. Its goal was to encourage responsible AI growth and to protect workers from displacement while promoting the development of new AI use cases.
- 2024 Legislative Council Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence: Chaired by Sen. Julian Bradley, this committee is currently evaluating AI’s regulatory needs in high-risk areas such as image generation and disinformation. Its findings are expected to contribute to the development of comprehensive AI regulations in the near future.
Government-led task force and legislative action
The timeline of AI-related legislative activity in Wisconsin reflects the complexity of balancing innovation with regulation.
Here’s a summary of the key developments during 2024:
- Late January: The Speaker’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence released its recommendations, advising that the private sector should largely self-regulate, with government oversight in the form of AI audits.
- April: Several legislative initiatives relevant to AI regulation expired in the Senate, highlighting lawmakers’ hesitation to take immediate action.
- July: The Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence released its action plan, identifying collaborative opportunities for AI use across multiple sectors.
- Ongoing: The Legislative Council Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence continues its work, focusing on regulatory measures for high-risk AI applications.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Hopes
Wisconsin’s AI task forces have made significant strides in understanding and addressing AI, yet there are still challenges to be overcome.
Strengths
The Speaker’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence provided a solid foundation by adopting a cautious approach to regulation.
The Governor’s Task Force demonstrated a forward-thinking strategy by engaging stakeholders across sectors and emphasizing collaboration.
These initiatives provide a roadmap for responsible AI development and deployment.
Weaknesses
One of the most noticeable shortcomings has been the state’s reluctance to enact firm legislation.
The expiration of several AI-related bills in the Senate suggests that lawmakers are not yet ready to commit to regulatory measures.
To overcome this reluctance, lawmakers should explore incremental regulatory steps that encourage innovation while ensuring oversight – such as piloting a limited regulatory sandbox model in specific high-risk AI applications.
Additionally, the Governor’s Task Force overlooked the importance of supporting AI service providers within the state, many of whom are still navigating the complexities of delivering AI-based solutions.
Overall, these initiatives represent meaningful steps forward, but there is still work to be done to fully align regulatory frameworks with the pace of AI development.
Hopes
The ongoing work of the Legislative Council Study Committee holds promise, as it tackles critical issues, such as disinformation and high-risk AI applications.
As Wisconsin refines its approach, it has the chance to lead by establishing a clear framework for AI use in sensitive areas like disinformation, positioning itself as a model for responsible AI governance.
Moreover, as public awareness of AI grows, Wisconsin’s legislative bodies may become more proactive in developing comprehensive regulations that balance innovation with safety.
The need for public awareness, engagement
Wisconsin is at a pivotal moment in its journey with AI.
The task forces and legislative committees have laid the groundwork for AI regulation and growth, but much remains to be done.
The future of AI in the state depends not only on the actions of lawmakers but also on the active engagement of businesses, educational institutions and the public.
AI is reshaping our world in ways that are both exciting and challenging.
The technologies being developed today will have profound impacts on our lives, from how we work to how we interact with information.
Through participation in legislative sessions, public hearings or industry discussions hosted by committees or local organizations like the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and the NEW Digital Alliance, the public can play a crucial role in shaping AI’s future.
As we look ahead, Wisconsin has the opportunity to lead the way in responsible AI adoption, creating a balanced environment where innovation can thrive alongside thoughtful regulation.