Oregon Executive Order Sets AI Safety Standards for State Procurement
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order setting responsible AI procurement standards for state government. It directs the state CIO to develop criteria for independent third-party safety reviews and to evaluate a kill switch requirement. The move comes as several states act on frontier AI oversight amid limited federal regulation.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed Executive Order No. 26-26 on Wednesday. It requires state agencies to procure and use frontier AI models that have undergone independent third-party safety review, while allowing innovation. State CIO Terrence Woods must propose implementation within 90 days, including criteria for adequate review, a procurement-appropriate frontier AI definition, and assessment of a kill switch standard. Oregon may consult California's framework.
California recently enacted SB 813 and AB 1405, creating third-party risk assessments and an AI auditor registry. Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued an order to accelerate that legislation and raised a kill switch concept. Oregon's action adds to state-level frontier AI oversight as federal regulation remains limited.
Oregon's order could shape how state agencies adopt powerful AI tools, affecting vendors, public employees, and residents who rely on government services. Third-party safety reviews and a possible kill switch may reduce some risks, but could also slow procurement or favor larger vendors able to meet compliance costs. California's parallel efforts may encourage other states to follow, creating a patchwork of standards that could influence national practices without federal rules.