California pursues AI tools to offer public services

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California could deploy generative artificial intelligence tools soon to help reduce traffic jams, make roads safer and provide tax guidance under new agreements announced Thursday as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to harness the power of new technologies for public services.

The state is partnering with five companies to create generative AI tools using technologies developed by tech giants such as Microsoft-backed Openai and Google-backed Anthropic that would help the state provide better services to the public, administration officials said.

“It is a very good sign that a lot of these companies are putting their focus on using GENAI for governmental service delivery,” said Amy Tong, secretary of government operations for California.

The companies will start a sixmonth internal trial where the tools are tested and evaluated by state workers. The companies will be paid $1 for their proposals. The state can reassess whether any tools could be fully implemented under new contracts.

Newsom, a Democrat, touts California as a global hub for AI technology, noting 35 of the world’s top 50 AI companies are located in the state. He signed an executive order last year requiring the state to start exploring responsible ways to incorporate generative AI by this summer.

The California Department of Transportation is seeking tools to analyze traffic data and come up with solutions to reduce highway traffic and make roads safer. The state’s Department of Tax and Fee Administration wants an AI tool to help its call center cut wait times and call length.