Pownal officials review draft AI policy; CoPilot 'work' mode and citation required for AI use

The Select Board reviewed edits to a draft artificial-intelligence policy at its Nov. 24 meeting. Town Administrator Becky Taylor-Chase said the town ttorney suggested language changes that staff have since edited and returned for review. The edits include changing the term "employee" to "user," clarifying that an approved generative AI (GAI) tool (Microsoft CoPilot) may be used in a "work" mode, and removing a requirement for Select Board approval of every AI use.

Taylor-Chase told the board she contacted ION Networking for a technical explanation of Microsoft CoPilot. She described two options: a "web" mode that accesses external online sources (similar to public ChatGPT-style services) and a "work" mode that limits output to documents and data stored on the local computer. "If you are on web, you are putting the information out there and receiving information just as if you are using ChatGPT. But if you are using work then it's only pulling data contained on that particular computer," Taylor-Chase said. She added that the policy will require users to cite AI assistance: "If any part has AI use in the work then we need to put a disclaimer stating Microsoft CoPilot was used to enhance, edit, draft etc." The policy also emphasizes that AI should assist, not replace, professional judgment.

Taylor-Chase said she will attend a municipal AI training on Dec. 5, 2025, and the board is awaiting the attorney's review of recent edits. The board did not adopt the policy at the meeting; members discussed ensuring citations and user responsibilities are clear before adoption.