Presented by CSG South through the Staff Alliance for Intergovernmental Leadership (SAIL)
State governments continue to explore artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. As adoption increases, so do legal, regulatory and governance considerations.
To examine these issues, CSG South convened a webinar titled AI and Emerging Tech: Legal Risks and Mitigation. The session explored the legal frameworks shaping AI use in state government, potential liability risks, procurement considerations and practical mitigation strategies.
The discussion featured Michael Barker, principal research faculty at Georgia Institute of Technology, and Andrea Booker, corporate associate at Kirkland and Ellis. Barker provided insight into emerging technology trends and public-sector applications, while Booker examined regulatory developments, contracting considerations, and risk exposure related to AI deployment.
Key themes included:
- Regulatory landscape: Emerging federal and state actions affecting AI deployment in government.
- Liability considerations: Risk exposure tied to automated decision-making and third-party tools.
- Procurement and contracting: Contract language, indemnification and performance standards.
- Governance frameworks: Internal policies, oversight structures and cross-agency coordination.
- Risk mitigation strategies: Practical steps agencies can take to manage compliance and operational risk.
The discussion offered state officials and government staff practical insight into balancing innovation with responsible governance.
Watch the full webinar recording below to learn more.