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Maryland’s AI Bill: Leading the Way to Innovation and Equity
Senator Cory McCray has introduced a landmark bill in Maryland that could set a new standard for how states regulate and develop artificial intelligence (AI). The Maryland Artificial Intelligence Advisory and Oversight Commission, proposed under this bill, aims to position the state as a leader in AI innovation while addressing the critical issues of ethics, transparency, and inclusivity.
McCray, a champion of economic justice, represents Maryland’s 45th District, which includes parts of Baltimore City. His passion for ensuring equitable access to technology led him to spearhead this bill, which seeks to create an inclusive AI ecosystem that benefits all residents. “This bill is about making sure Maryland is prepared for the future and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, is part of that future,” McCray said in testimony supporting the legislation. The bill would establish a commission made up of government representatives, industry experts, and educators to guide Maryland’s development of AI.
Tyrone Taborn: Leading the Charge for Inclusion
One of the most vocal advocates for the bill is Tyrone Taborn, CEO of Career Communications Group and a national leader in promoting diversity in STEM. Taborn has spent decades creating platforms for underrepresented groups—particularly women and minorities—to excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. His commitment to closing the digital divide has made him a critical supporter of the Maryland AI bill.
For Taborn, the bill represents a significant opportunity to ensure that minority communities are included in the AI revolution. “AI is moving faster than we can blink, and if we don’t ensure that women and minorities are part of this conversation, we risk widening the gap,” Taborn remarked during his testimony. His advocacy goes beyond words. He is also spearheading the launch of STEM City Baltimore, a cutting-edge center located in the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center in West Baltimore, which will offer AI and metaverse training for underrepresented youth and professionals.
STEM City Baltimore aligns perfectly with the goals of McCray’s AI bill by offering opportunities for minorities to engage with AI technologies and the digital economy. Through the center, local residents will receive training in data science, robotics, virtual reality, and more, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in the AI-driven future. Taborn’s initiative is a direct response to the digital divide and is designed to create pathways for youth in underserved communities to enter careers in AI and related fields.
Industry Support: Pena, Jones, and Watson
Rick Pena, a cybersecurity expert and former Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Army, has also voiced his strong support for the Maryland AI bill. Pena emphasized that AI systems must be developed with diversity in mind to avoid reinforcing biases. He warned that without inclusive data sets and design processes, AI could perpetuate systemic inequalities. “If the data that trains AI models isn’t diverse, the systems themselves won’t be either,” Pena noted during his testimony. He called for collaboration between government, academia, and industry to ensure that AI policies reflect the diverse needs of Maryland’s population.
Dr. Christopher Jones, a retired aerospace and defense executive, underscored the economic potential of AI, likening its impact to the advent of the internet or television. Jones argued that Maryland has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in AI innovation, but only if it embraces ethical and inclusive practices. “The advancement and proliferation of AI technologies will have as profound an impact on our society as radio, television, or the internet,” Jones said. He sees the bill as a means of positioning Maryland at the forefront of AI development, ensuring that the state remains competitive on the global stage.
Admiral Tony Watson, a longtime advocate for STEM education, offered a perspective on how the bill could create opportunities for Maryland’s youth, particularly in underserved areas. Drawing from his experience in the military and high-tech sectors, Watson stressed the need for the state to harness AI to drive job creation and innovation. He particularly highlighted the role of education in preparing young people for AI-driven careers, aligning his comments with Taborn’s efforts at STEM City Baltimore. Watson believes the Maryland AI bill can provide the framework for ensuring that young people, regardless of their background, are prepared to thrive in the digital economy.
A Unified Vision for Maryland’s AI Future
The Maryland Artificial Intelligence Advisory and Oversight Commission bill has received widespread support from leaders in government, industry, and education, all of whom recognize the potential of AI to drive economic growth and societal advancement. The bill’s emphasis on diversity and inclusivity is not just a moral imperative—it is an economic necessity. By ensuring that AI development reflects the needs of all Maryland residents, the state is positioning itself as a leader in responsible, equitable AI governance.
As Tyrone Taborn, Rick Pena, Christopher Jones, and Admiral Tony Watson have all emphasized, the future of AI must be inclusive. By passing this bill, Maryland will set a new standard for how states can proactively shape the digital era while ensuring that no one is left behind. With initiatives like STEM City Baltimore and the Maryland AI Commission, the state is not only preparing for the future but also ensuring that it is one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
This bill represents a turning point in how states approach AI, offering a model for innovation and equity that could be replicated nationwide. Maryland is poised to become a leader in AI research, development, and governance, all while ensuring that the future is accessible and beneficial to all of its residents.