Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed an executive order to establish a strategic framework aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology within the state. The order, known as EO 26-02, was enacted to align government operations with emerging AI capabilities and follows legislative efforts to regulate AI at the state level, despite a federal executive order that seeks to limit such initiatives.
“The order activates specific mandates across our government to ensure every sector is aligned,” stated Tim Marczewski, head of AI in the state Office of Administration, in a LinkedIn post. Marczewski joined the state government in 2025.
Under the new directive, Missouri’s Office of Administration Commissioner Kenneth Zellers is tasked with developing a strategic framework for AI integration across government functions. This framework will prioritize several key areas, including expediting government processes, enhancing service delivery, ensuring data privacy and security, maintaining human oversight in decision-making, and establishing guidelines for transparency and accountability in AI usage.
The framework is expected to identify AI applications that can improve efficiency in government services while safeguarding human judgment. Moreover, it will mandate the establishment of robust data privacy policies and guidelines to ensure AI tools utilize accurate and objective data. Residents will also have avenues to voice concerns regarding automation.
In addition to government integration, the order directs Michelle Hataway, director of the Department of Economic Development (DED), to assess Missouri’s business environment for AI enterprises. This assessment aims to propose policies that create a pro-business yet consumer-friendly landscape, focusing on existing incentives, regulatory frameworks, and workforce development programs. The order emphasizes the need for a “minimally burdensome policy environment” to promote AI investments while safeguarding consumer rights.
To address workforce challenges in AI, the executive order instructs Bennett Boggs, commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, to collaborate with DED in evaluating current AI education and training programs. This collaboration aims to establish best practices and recommend new educational pathways such as degrees, certifications, and apprenticeships in high-demand fields including data science, cybersecurity, and AI system maintenance.
Moreover, the order tasks Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt U. Schaefer with coordinating with the Public Service Commission to address the growing energy demands associated with data centers. Schaefer is to review existing energy regulations and utility practices to ensure that large power users, including data centers, do not inadvertently drive up energy costs for Missouri residents and small businesses.
The executive order compels Schaefer to assess both current and future energy needs associated with data centers and develop “reliable, economical, and sustainable” solutions. He is also directed to work across state departments to understand the impacts of data center demand on Missouri’s natural resources. Reports and policy recommendations stemming from the order are expected to be submitted to Governor Kehoe by November 30.
In a related initiative, Governor Kehoe also signed EO 26-03, which formalizes the Missouri Government Responsibility, Efficiency, Accountability, and Transformation (Missouri GREAT) initiative. This initiative encourages state departments to explore the potential of AI to automate routine tasks but stipulates that such efforts must adhere to the safety and security standards outlined in EO 26-02.
“This initiative is the perfect partner to our AI strategy,” Marczewski noted in his LinkedIn post, highlighting its role in furthering the state’s modernization and efficiency efforts. As states across the U.S. grapple with the implications of AI technology, Missouri’s approach may serve as a model for balancing innovation with regulatory oversight in this rapidly evolving field.
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