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Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced four actions that the Moore-Miller Administration is taking to transform the digital experience in state government.
The transformation aims to focus on four key areas, the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), user-centered design in digital services, ensuring equal access to all information technology, and protecting Maryland's digital infrastructure through enhanced intergovernmental partnerships.
"Rebuilding state government is not enough. We need to modernize it," said Gov. Moore. "Together, we will improve the experience of Marylanders on state websites, make resources more accessible, and strengthen cybersecurity. Modernizing state government will better meet our needs, tackle challenges, and establish Maryland's leadership."
The Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland Department of Information Technology are committed to providing vital technology solutions that allow the executive branch, state agencies, and coordinating offices to provide Marylanders with the services that enable them to live and work more safely, efficiently, and productively.
The department leads the state's strategic direction for IT and telecommunications, encouraging cross-agency collaboration and advocating for best practices for operations and project management.
The department is taking several actions to modernize the State government. First, it is issuing an Artificial Intelligence Executive Order to direct the foundational work to catalyze state agencies' responsible and productive use of artificial intelligence.
"We're taking the first steps towards our state and nation's progress," said Katie Savage, Maryland's Department of IT Secretary. "To succeed and be inclusive, we must utilize new tech while ensuring its security and accessibility."
The executive order also establishes an AI Subcabinet that will develop and implement a comprehensive AI action plan to operationalize the State's AI principles and create appropriate "guard rails" for agencies' use of AI. The AI Subcabinet will also promote AI knowledge, skills, and talent in state government.
Second, the department is creating the Maryland Digital Service within the Maryland Department of Information Technology to support state agency needs with a team of state product managers, user researchers, designers, and engineers, which the department has never had in-house.
This team will support website and application redesigns and discovery efforts for agencies to inform more accurate and agile procurements. The new innovative team will focus on well-designed and user-centered digital experiences to increase trust in government and decrease the cost of serving and supporting agencies in delivering on their critical missions.
Third, the department is issuing Maryland's first-ever Digital Accessibility policy, which will ensure equal access to State-procured and developed information technology and services for all Marylanders, regardless of ability. It aims to provide the highest degree of usability for everyone.
Finally, the new Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force, which brings together cybersecurity experts from the Maryland Department of Information Technology, the Maryland Military Department, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management in coordination with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, will foster a whole-of-government approach to proactive cybersecurity within the state of Maryland.