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Legislature adopts county's responsible‑use AI policy and data‑retention update
Summary
Tompkins County adopted a new responsible and ethical AI policy and an updated data‑retention policy after committee review; staff said the AI policy was developed with state IT guidance, NYSAC materials and DEI review and that a tech‑review team and training will be created.
The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously approved a new administrative policy on the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence and a separate update to the county's data retention policy at its Aug. 19 meeting.
Kim Moore of ITS told legislators the AI policy reflects about two years of work: the county began with consultant templates and then incorporated guidance from New York State IT directors, NYSAC and other counties. The policy establishes an AI/Machine Learning Technology Review team, requires vetting and procurement through IT for county use, and contemplates staff training and a DEI review to guard against bias.
"This is meant to be the initial phase of policy for responsible and ethical use for AI and machine learning," Moore said, adding that the policy will evolve. Legislators praised the policy as a necessary starting point and recommended the technology review team also examine potential county uses of AI that could improve service delivery.
Separately, the legislature approved a data‑retention policy that sets county standards for retaining and disposing of records; staff noted the policy will be refined as departments identify different data types and operational needs.
What this means: The policies create a governance framework for county use of AI tools, restrict unvetted county staff from adopting public AI services for official work, and require IT oversight and training. The measures were positioned as living documents that will be updated as technology and best practices evolve.
