AI Legislative Guide |
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USA, Maine |
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(United States)
Firm
Bernstein Shur
Contributors
Katherine Knox |
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| Has specific legislation, final regulations or other formal regulatory guidance addressing the use of AI in your jurisdiction been implemented (vs reliance on existing legislation around IP, cyber, data privacy, etc.)? | Yes. |
| Please provide a short summary of the legislation/regulations/guidance and explain how legislators aim to strike the balance between innovation and regulation. |
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| Which agency regulates the use of AI in your jurisdiction? | The Office of Information Technology within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services regulates the use of AI in Maine. |
AI Legislative Guide
Has specific legislation, final regulations or other formal regulatory guidance addressing the use of AI in your jurisdiction been implemented (vs reliance on existing legislation around IP, cyber, data privacy, etc.)?
Yes.
Please provide a short summary of the legislation/regulations/guidance and explain how legislators aim to strike the balance between innovation and regulation.
- The new law closed a loophole that prevented charges from being brought against people creating child sexual abuse material through generative AI or machine learning.
- Mental health providers have new restrictions on the use of AI in the therapeutic environment.
- Political campaigns and PACs will now be required to provide a disclosure label for any content significantly altered by AI.
- Budget allocated funds for data management and training state employees on AI and established a staff position in the state government to coordinate the implementation of state policies and partnerships related to AI.
- The Office of Information Technology recently released a "Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy" applicable to the Executive Branch, which can be viewed here.
- The AI Task Force released its final report in late 2025, which can be reviewed here.
- The Governor vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on data centers in Maine.
- After the veto, the Governor established the Maine Data Center Advisory Council. In general, Maine has balanced potential economic development in rural areas (data centers) with risks around data privacy and energy infrastructure. Modest initiatives are taking the place of a statewide policy plan on AI.
Which agency regulates the use of AI in your jurisdiction?
The Office of Information Technology within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services regulates the use of AI in Maine.