BOSTON – Massachusetts is set to become the first state in the nation to deploy ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence assistant, across its executive branch, Governor Maura Healey announced on February 13th. The move, intended to streamline government operations and improve efficiency, will begin with staff in the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (TSS) and roll out in phases over the coming months.
The AI assistant, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, will assist employees with “routine work” such as drafting documents, creating outlines, summarizing information, and conducting quick research, according to the state’s ChatGPT website. Governor Healey stated, “AI has the potential to transform how government works, which is why we’re excited to partner with OpenAI on this AI assistant, which will ensure a safe and secure environment for employees and improve their ability to deliver better service to the people of Massachusetts.”
The state’s approach prioritizes data security. The rollout will occur “within a walled-off, secure environment that protects state data and ensures that employee chat inputs do not train public AI models,” the administration emphasized. This commitment to security aims to address potential concerns surrounding data privacy and the use of sensitive information.
Massachusetts’s initiative isn’t occurring in isolation. Other states are also exploring the use of AI within their governments. Pennsylvania conducted a “first-in-the-nation phased pilot” of ChatGPT in 2025, and Minnesota’s Enterprise Translations Office currently utilizes ChatGPT to support translation and interpretation services.
The Healey administration anticipates the AI assistant will be embraced by the state’s nearly 40,000 executive branch employees. Jason Snyder, secretary of Technology Services and Security, said ChatGPT will “empower state employees with a secure, governed tool that can enhance service delivery while maintaining the highest standards for data privacy, security, and thoughtful, transparent usage of AI.” A series of optional training programs will be offered to employees to ensure they understand best practices and strategic use of the tool.
While the administration highlights the potential benefits, some legislators have expressed caution. Senator Michael Moore, D-Millbury, believes the program will position Massachusetts at the “forefront of this paradigm shifting technology,” and will save taxpayer money while maintaining confidentiality. However, the House recently passed a unanimous bill to ban the use of artificial intelligence in political advertisements without proper disclosure.
Concerns from state workers have also surfaced. According to reports, the National Association of Government Employees has voiced unhappiness with the plan, and some employees worry that AI could potentially displace job duties. Online, discussions on platforms like Reddit have reflected disappointment and privacy concerns among residents, with some labeling the move as “alarming” and “out of touch.”
The state’s contract with OpenAI was the result of a competitive procurement process, signaling a deliberate and considered approach to integrating this new technology into government operations. The phased rollout is designed to allow for careful monitoring and adjustments as the AI assistant becomes more widely adopted across the executive branch.
