The Texarkana, Arkansas, Board of Directors has passed a state-mandated policy providing professional and ethical guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence. This policy aims to bring the city into compliance with Arkansas Act 848 of 2025, which requires public entities to adopt policies governing the use of automated decision tools and AI.

Policy Details

The new policy requires city information technology staff to vet and approve artificial intelligence engines before they are approved for use. It applies to all city employees and all work performed on or off city premises. Examples of permitted uses include drafting emails and letters, preparing reports and publications, creating policies and job descriptions, performing spreadsheet calculations, translating foreign languages, sorting information, and generating outlines or summaries.

The policy prohibits employees from using AI for illegal activities, circumventing IT security controls, lobbying without proper registration, or expressing personal political opinions to elected officials using city-owned equipment outside official duties. It also bars AI systems from making final binding decisions affecting individuals without human review and approval.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.