Georgia is moving ahead of most states in building an institutional framework for artificial intelligence governance, operating through the Georgia Technology Authority's Office of Artificial Intelligence while a new poll shows broad public support for stronger federal AI rules.
An exclusive Atlanta Journal-Constitution survey found that 78% of Democratic primary voters and 67% of Republican primary voters support the federal government writing rules around AI -- a level of bipartisan agreement that is rare in Georgia's current political climate.
State CIO Shawnzia Thomas, executive director of the Georgia Technology Authority, said the state started with a strong policy foundation before deploying any tools. The state AI policy follows five core principles: obtain approval before use, apply tools appropriately, remain vigilant in virtual meetings, protect private data, and watch for bias.
Local governments have flocked to the state's AI innovation lab, where they test applications under direct guidance from GTA staff. Documented use cases include AI-assisted multilingual translation and real-time knowledge tools for call center employees. GTA's chief digital and AI officer Nikhil Deshpande said the goal is to augment human workers, with a human required in the decision loop at all times.
The Georgia General Assembly passed two AI-related laws this session. Senate Bill 540 requires AI chatbot companions to disclose they are software, not a person. Senate Bill 444 mandates that a human make final coverage decisions for patient medical procedures, not AI alone. Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 444 into law last week.
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Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/georgia-wrestles-with-how-to-govern-ai-without-stifling-innovation/