Missouri’s new Executive Order (EO) on AI calls for the creation of a strategic framework to advance best practices in AI technology and related infrastructure, policy recommendations, and AI training programs.
EO 26-02, signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe on Tuesday, comes on the heels of Missouri lawmakers pushing ahead with AI regulation legislation despite a federal EO aimed at limiting the powers of each state.
“This order imposes specific mandates across government to ensure collaboration across all sectors,” Tim Marchewski, director of AI at the state Office of Administration (OA), said in a post on LinkedIn. Mr. Malczewski joined the state in 2025.
First, the order calls on OA Commissioner Kenneth Zellers to develop a strategic framework for AI integration within Missouri state government. In this framework, the Secretary is directed to prioritize speeding up work, improving services, data privacy and security, human decision-making, transparency and accountability, and data quality management.
The framework, as mandated, should identify AI applications that can improve service delivery and government efficiency while ensuring that human judgment is part of the decision-making process. Robust data privacy policies should be established, as well as guidelines to ensure that AI tools use data that is continuously monitored for accuracy and objectivity. The framework should also create guidelines for the transparent use of AI. If residents have concerns about automation, they need a route to raise them.
Second, the order asks Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Michelle Hattaway to review the state’s business environment for AI companies and recommend pro-business and pro-consumer policies. This review process should include an evaluation of existing incentives, regulatory frameworks, and workforce development programs. Policy recommendations should help establish a “minimizing burden policy environment” that stimulates AI investment “while protecting consumer rights,” the order states.
To address training, the EO is asking Secretary of Higher Education and Workforce Development Bennett Boggs to work with DED to evaluate current AI education and training programs, develop best practices, and recommend new AI-focused degree programs, certifications, and apprenticeships. These should include in-demand skills such as data science, security, and AI systems maintenance.
The order directs Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt U. Schaefer to work with the Public Service Commission to examine energy regulations and infrastructure plans to address growing data center demand and associated power challenges.
Specifically, the EO is asking Schaefer to review state regulations and utility practices to ensure that data centers and other large electricity users do not raise energy bills for Missourians and small businesses. Data center construction projects in the state have faced opposition, and data center regulations at the local level have already been established. The EO requires Schaefer to review current energy demands, anticipate future needs, and develop solutions that are “reliable, economical, and sustainable.” Finally, he is directed to coordinate across state government to understand how data center demands will impact Missouri’s natural resources.
The report, policy recommendations and findings from this order are expected to be submitted to Mr. Kehoe by November 30th.
On a separate, but related note, Missouri EO 26-03, which the governor also signed on Tuesday, formalizes the Missouri Government Responsibility, Efficiency, Accountability, and Transformation (Missouri GREAT) initiative. The EO encourages state governments to consider AI applications that can automate routine tasks, but only “if such efforts strictly comply with the safety and security standards set forth in Executive Order 26-02.”
“This initiative is a perfect partner for our AI strategy,” Marczewski said in a LinkedIn post, noting that it demonstrates a focus on continued modernization and efficiency.
