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County attorneys and IT begin drafting AI use policy, recommend IT approval and human vetting of outputs
Summary
Cowlitz County attorneys and IT staff briefed commissioners on generative-AI risks and recommended a policy that allows AI for approved business uses only, funnels AI through county-approved devices and software, prohibits entering confidential data into public AI systems, and requires a human to vet any AI-generated work product before release.
Deputy prosecuting attorneys and county IT staff led a workshop Monday on rules the county should adopt to govern employee use of generative artificial intelligence. Commissioners voiced support for a proactive, risk‑mitigating policy rather than an outright ban.
Attorneys said many local governments have adopted policies that share common elements: prohibit input of confidential or sensitive data into third-party public AI services; require use of county-approved devices and IT‑approved generative‑AI software for official work; and require that any AI-generated text, recommendation or draft be reviewed and approved by a human before being released as county work product. IT staff said funneling AI use through vetted platforms helps protect county data and keeps monitoring and contractual protections centralized.
Why it matters: Commissioners asked whether the county should mandate a single, unified AI platform and whether that would prevent employees from using other services. Attorneys and IT staff recommended a policy that allows approved uses and platforms but requires IT approval and vetting rather than a categorical ban. Staff said Microsoft-built features are a likely candidate because the county already uses Microsoft services, but they recommended flexibility to evaluate additional tools if IT approves them.
Key guidance proposed by staff (summarized): county personnel may use generative AI only for approved business purposes, only from county-approved devices and using IT-approved AI software; do not enter confidential or protected information into public or third-party AI systems; and ensure a human reviews and signs off on any AI-generated public work product. Staff will draft a policy drawing on policies from other Washington counties and return to the board for review.
Ending: Commissioners directed staff (county attorneys and IT) to draft an AI policy that will be reviewed at a future meeting; staff emphasized that the policy should allow operational benefits while protecting confidential data and public-records obligations.
