Governor Katie Hobbs speaking with attendees at the 2025 Legislative Forecast Luncheon hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. January 10, 2025
Governor Katie Hobbs has announced 19 members of a steering committee that hopes to guide the state on Artificial Intelligence policies.
Distinguished Professor of Physics and Interim Chief Information Officer Elliot Cheu was selected to represent the University of Arizona, and said an important point he’ll bring to the committee is encouraging AI literacy.
“Understand what AI is doing, how it's using your data, what are the strengths of using an AI informed analysis, and what are the weaknesses,” he said.
About a third of the steering committee members come from academia, where the use of AI is growing, and concerning to some.
The number of teenagers that admit to using ChatGPT for schoolwork doubled since 2023, according to data from Pew Research Center.
Cheu said instructors have learned to adapt to technology before.
“They’ve done this with all kinds of things, from when the first handheld calculator came about," he said. What instructors have to do with all these kinds of technologies is figure out how to make assignments that recognize that these tools are there, and then figure out how you can make assignments that go back to what you’re actually trying to get to, which is, how can we help our students become better thinkers?”
In a press release, Hobbs said the committee will develop a policy framework that aims to make AI use fair, accessible, and responsible, while prioritizing data privacy.
“Arizona has a responsibility to lead with integrity while spurring innovation in this growing high-tech sector. This committee will ensure that AI is implemented in a way that expands opportunity, strengthens public trust, and delivers better outcomes for every Arizonan,” it reads.
The committee is scheduled to have its first meeting this month and is expected to make initial recommendations to the governor next spring.
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