Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword in tech circles—it’s making waves in the heart of government operations. This year, Iowa took a bold step by integrating AI into its legislative process, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
Imagine the hustle and bustle inside the Iowa State Capitol: staffers poring over thousands of bills, trying to keep up with the relentless pace of legislative sessions. For years, this work was grueling, with outdated technology making it even harder. Enter Legible, an AI-native program developed by two former legislative pages, Zack Krawiec and Kasey Clary. Their firsthand experience with the inefficiencies of the system inspired them to create a solution that could truly make a difference.
Legible’s journey began as a news aggregation tool, but it quickly evolved when lobbyists and legislative staff showed interest in its potential for bill tracking and analysis. By the 2025 session, the Iowa House of Representatives and the governor’s office were using Legible to analyze documents, track legislation, and streamline workflows. One standout feature, "bill chat," allows users to interact with legislative documents, ask questions, and fact-check information—making complex bills more accessible and understandable.
The impact was immediate. With over 2,000 pieces of legislation introduced in a single session, staffers found themselves saving significant time and reducing stress. The program’s ability to centralize information and automate routine tasks meant that legislative teams could focus on higher-level analysis and decision-making. This not only improved the quality of their work but also enhanced their overall job satisfaction.
Iowa isn’t alone in this digital transformation. States like California and Utah are also experimenting with AI tools for legislative research and tracking. According to a recent survey, 20% of legislative staffers nationwide are already using AI, and 42% are considering it. The trend is clear: AI is becoming an essential part of the public sector toolkit.
Of course, innovation comes with its challenges. Concerns about data privacy, confidentiality, and the accuracy of AI-generated insights are top of mind for government leaders. Iowa, like several other states, has established guidelines to ensure that sensitive data is protected and that human oversight remains a critical part of the process. Transparency is key to building public trust as these technologies become more integrated into government operations.
For those working in or with government, the takeaway is clear: embracing AI can lead to more efficient, transparent, and responsive legislative processes. But it’s equally important to set up strong guardrails, invest in workforce training, and maintain a healthy balance between automation and human expertise.
Key Takeaways:
- Iowa is pioneering the use of AI in legislative workflows, setting an example for other states.
- AI tools like Legible streamline bill tracking, analysis, and document management, saving time and reducing stress for staff.
- Adoption of AI in government is growing, but careful attention to privacy, accuracy, and oversight is essential.
- Human expertise remains irreplaceable—AI is a tool to enhance, not replace, legislative work.
- Transparent policies and ongoing training are crucial for successful AI integration in the public sector.