ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday unveiled a new plan for how the state should handle artificial intelligence, with a focus on protecting residents, preparing workers for changing jobs and limiting potential harms to children.
The framework is essentially a roadmap for how the Moore administration plans to approach AI. Some changes can be pursued by state agencies, while others would require lawmakers to pass new laws.
"With the speed with which AI is moving, Marylanders deserve guardrails that safeguard their rights, privacy, and dignity," Moore said in a statement. "This technology is already here, and we believe Maryland is the best state in the country to benefit from the promise of AI responsibly."
According to Moore's office, the plan is built around three goals: protecting Maryland residents, helping workers adapt as AI changes the workplace and keeping children safe.
Among the proposals, Moore's administration wants Maryland to develop rules for companies creating powerful AI systems. Those rules could include safety testing, outside reviews, protections for employees who report problems and requirements that companies disclose serious incidents.
The administration also wants to give Marylanders greater control over AI-generated copies of their face, voice or other personal characteristics. Another proposal would prohibit landlords from using certain shared computer-based pricing systems to coordinate rents.
State agencies would also provide clearer guidance on how existing discrimination and consumer protection laws apply when employers, lenders, landlords and other businesses use AI to make decisions.
The plan calls for giving workers and labor unions a greater say when state agencies introduce AI into the workplace.
Maryland also plans to bring together businesses, unions and colleges to examine how AI is changing jobs and what training workers may need. The state would continue investing in programs designed to help people learn new skills as technology changes the workplace.
The administration also plans to pursue protections against potentially harmful uses of workplace AI, including systems that unfairly judge employees or are used to interfere with organizing efforts.
Schools and online platforms are another major focus.
The administration wants stronger protections for children using AI chatbots and plans to pursue restrictions on the use of AI and other technology designed to keep children under 16 engaged with social media.
Schools would be expected to have safety procedures for AI tools students use in the classroom. The administration also wants families notified before such tools are introduced and wants schools to use AI only when it supports — rather than replaces — instruction from teachers.
Maryland education officials would also develop model lessons to teach students how AI works, how to use it safely and how it could affect their future.
The new framework builds on AI-related measures Maryland has adopted in recent years, including protections involving deepfakes, AI-generated intimate images, health insurance decisions and children's online safety.
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