Why It Matters
State attorneys general wield significant legal power, and their coordinated use of technology can shape consumer protection, antitrust enforcement, and public safety across the nation. Understanding how AG offices are navigating AI and other emerging tech helps CIOs and policymakers ensure effective, secure, and ethical implementation of these tools in government.
Key Takeaways
- •NAG coordinates 56 state attorneys general on legal actions
- •AI and deepfake cases dominate AGs' emerging tech agenda
- •NAG requires 36 AG signatures for policy adoption
- •Tech boot camps and AI webinars upskill state legal teams
- •AG offices are the largest law firms in each state
Pulse Analysis
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAG) unites the 56 chief law officers of states, territories and the District of Columbia for coordinated legal actions. Born from the 1907 Standard Oil antitrust suit and the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement that still distributes roughly $5 billion annually, NAG now handles consumer protection, antitrust, bankruptcy and emerging technology disputes. Recent wins such as the multistate Live Nation antitrust verdict illustrate the power of a unified front, while its bipartisan sign‑on process—requiring at least 36 attorneys general—ensures broad consensus before policy adoption.
Technology sits at the core of the AG agenda, with artificial intelligence, deep‑fake pornography, and AI‑driven chatbots creating consumer‑safety and internal‑operations challenges. AG offices must assess how these tools affect constituents, enforce state consumer‑protection laws, and manage hidden AI use by staff. Cases like New Mexico’s lawsuit against Meta and Florida’s suit over deceptive chatbots show a growing willingness to confront AI‑related harms. Officials stress AI is a tool, not a replacement, and wrestle with unknown deployment levels, privacy risks, and the need for clear policy guidance.
NAG addresses rapid tech change through tech boot camps, AI webinars and cyber briefings with NACIO. These initiatives upskill legal and IT staff, fostering tighter collaboration between attorneys general and state CIOs. By gathering IT officers from AG offices, NAG pinpoints emerging needs and promotes best practices for responsible technology integration. Looking ahead, the association will expand its training arm, deepen AI governance frameworks, and continue leveraging its bipartisan network to protect consumers while enabling state governments to use innovative tools safely.
Episode Description
In this episode of NASCIO Voices, Amy and Alex sit down with Brian Kane, Executive Director of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG). Brian shares his journey from entry-level deputy to chief deputy of the Idaho AG's office — and how that experience led him to his current role serving all 56 state and territorial attorneys general. We talk about how NAAG keeps a bipartisan coalition working together, the growing role of technology and AI in AG offices, and what state CIOs should know about their AG counterparts. Plus, Brian gives us his take on pickleball, the '90s, and his childhood dream of playing pro baseball.
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