News Summary
The Pennsylvania Joint State Government Commission has released a comprehensive 389-page report outlining the impact of artificial intelligence across the Commonwealth. Published in February 2026, this strategic roadmap emphasizes workforce development, ethical considerations, and proposes the creation of a Chief AI Officer to ensure proper governance. The report highlights the need for education investments and transparency in AI technologies while addressing public concerns about job displacement and data privacy.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A comprehensive, 389-page report detailing the current and potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) across the Commonwealth has been released by the Pennsylvania Joint State Government Commission. This significant document, published on February 19, 2026, offers a strategic roadmap for regulating and adopting AI, emphasizing crucial areas such as workforce development, ethical considerations, and the need for a Chief AI Officer. The report involved extensive input from an advisory committee that included a distinguished professor from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
Key Recommendations for Pennsylvania’s AI Future
The report, titled “Artificial Intelligence: Advisory Committee Recommendations on the Adoption and Use of AI in Pennsylvania,” calls for several key actions to guide the Commonwealth through the rapidly evolving AI landscape. A primary recommendation is the establishment of a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer within the Governor’s Office of Administration to coordinate a unified statewide strategy and implementation plan for AI. This role aims to ensure a coherent approach to AI governance across all state agencies.
Acknowledging the transformative effect of AI on the labor market, the commission recommends substantial investments in education and workforce development. The goal is to equip Pennsylvanians with the necessary skills to adapt to an evolving economy, preparing them for new opportunities and mitigating potential job displacement. The report suggests that employees should receive reasonable advance notice when AI tools are deployed that could affect their employment, and employers should be required to report instances where AI displaces workers.
Addressing the increasing demand for computational infrastructure, the report proposes establishing standards for the construction and operation of data centers. This includes requiring operators to report on resource usage, which would aid community planning and address concerns about environmental impact. This comes as Pennsylvania ranks as the fourth fastest-growing state for data center development, highlighting its expanding role in the national AI economy.
Protecting Data and Ensuring Transparency
To safeguard individual privacy in an AI-driven world, the report urges the state to limit and disclose personal data collection for AI systems. It also recommends creating a data broker registry, allowing individuals to track and manage their information. Furthermore, the commission calls for mandatory AI use disclosures in high-risk sectors such as hiring processes, healthcare decisions, and various public services, ensuring transparency in automated decision-making.
AI in Education and Legal Practice
The report also specifically addresses the integration of AI within educational institutions. It emphasizes that AI tools in schools must be supported by evidence of educational benefit, be equitably accessible to all students, and crucially, support rather than replace student-educator relationships. The Advisory Committee also examined AI’s role within the legal profession, including initiatives by bar associations, courts, public defenders, and district attorneys to regulate its use. The report highlights efforts to enhance AI literacy among law students and discusses the potential benefits and risks, including instances of “AI hallucinations” in legal practice. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, for example, is actively integrating AI literacy into its curriculum and providing students with access to secure AI platforms like ChatGPT Enterprise and Harvey AI.
Context and Broader Implications
The creation of this comprehensive report was a direct response to House Resolution 170 of 2023. An advisory committee, comprising 20 experts from academia, industry, and government, including Cary Coglianese, Edward B. Shils Professor of Law and Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, spent over a year researching AI’s current and future impact across Pennsylvania and analyzing how other states are approaching the technology. This extensive study assessed AI’s rapidly expanding role across major societal sectors, including healthcare, education, government, and law enforcement. It also delved into emerging concerns such as deepfakes, the role of chatbots, and protections for children.
These state-level efforts align with broader initiatives, such as Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order 2023-19 from September 2023, which established a Generative AI Governing Board and outlined clear principles for the responsible use of AI within the Commonwealth. A November 2025 poll, however, indicated that nearly twice as many Pennsylvania residents believe AI will have a negative impact on the economy compared to those who foresee a positive impact, reflecting public wariness about the technology. This report serves as a critical guide for Pennsylvania lawmakers to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI adoption, potentially setting a model for other states.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the main purpose of the Pennsylvania Commission’s AI report?
- The main purpose of the Pennsylvania Commission’s AI report is to lay out a roadmap for regulating and adopting AI across the Commonwealth, detailing its current and potential impacts.
- What is one of the key recommendations from the report regarding state governance?
- One of the key recommendations from the report regarding state governance is the establishment of a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer within the Governor’s Office of Administration to coordinate statewide strategy and implementation.
- How does the report address the impact of AI on the workforce?
- The report addresses the impact of AI on the workforce by recommending substantial investments in education and workforce development, requiring reasonable advance notice for employees about AI deployment, and suggesting employer reporting on AI-displaced workers.
- What does the report suggest about AI use in schools?
- The report suggests that AI in schools must be backed by evidence of educational benefit, be equitably accessible, and crucially, support rather than replace student-educator relationships.
- Who contributed to the development of this AI report?
- The report was informed by a 20-member Advisory Committee appointed in response to House Resolution 170 of 2023, including Cary Coglianese, Edward B. Shils Professor of Law and Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
Key Features of the Pennsylvania AI Impact Report
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Report Title | Artificial Intelligence: Advisory Committee Recommendations on the Adoption and Use of AI in Pennsylvania | State-level |
| Publication Date | February 19, 2026 | State-level |
| Length | 389 pages | State-level |
| Key Recommendation 1 | Establish a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer within the Governor’s Office of Administration | State-level |
| Key Recommendation 2 | Invest in education and workforce development for AI adaptation | State-level |
| Key Recommendation 3 | Develop standards for data center construction and operation, including resource use reporting | State-level |
| Key Recommendation 4 | Limit and disclose personal data collection for AI systems; create a data broker registry | State-level |
| Key Recommendation 5 | Require AI use disclosures in high-risk areas (hiring, healthcare, public services) | State-level |
| Focus on Education | AI in schools must be evidence-backed, equitably accessible, and support student-educator relationships | State-level |
| Advisory Committee | Comprised 20 experts from academia, industry, and government, including a University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School professor | State-level |
| Driving Legislation | Response to Pennsylvania House Resolution 170 of 2023 | State-level |
| Public Perception (November 2025 Poll) | Nearly twice as many Pennsylvanians believe AI will negatively impact the economy than positively | State-level |
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The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
