Idaho Official Government Website
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AI Use in Government and New Tools Available

Phone screen with Copilot message: "Hi, I'm Copilot, your AI companion."

What is happening

ITS is unveiling two approved AI features for state users that offer secure, compliant AI assistance for both basic and advanced workflows.

Microsoft Copilot Chat (included with Microsoft 365) supports everyday tasks including:

  • Writing/editing
  • Summarizing
  • Research

Microsoft Copilot works with the same sharing rules used in email, SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive, only drawing from documents you already have permission to access. Start using it here: Microsoft Copilot Chat.


Microsoft 365 Copilot (licensed) provides deeper integration with Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel for more advanced, data-driven work.

Users must sign in with their Microsoft 365 account to ensure Copilot Chat and M365 Copilot operate within Microsoft’s Enterprise Data Protection framework, which provides enterprise-grade security, privacy, and compliance controls.

The annual cost for a license per user is $370. If an agency wants to purchase licenses, they need to contact ITS. If an agency has already placed an order, ITS will process those requests immediately.


AI use in Idaho agencies

The Department of Health & Welfare and the Division of Motor Vehicles have already started integrating AI into everyday workflows. Hear from their leadership about how AI is streamlining tasks and creating efficiencies now, with more possibilities ahead.

Click on the video for insights.


Next steps and resources

AI use will vary by agency/office. As with any technology, it is evolving swiftly. If an agency has questions about AI use in their workplace, they are encouraged to contact their leadership.

ITS has developed resources that share best practices and who to contact with questions about responsible AI use, including:

  • Video about AI use in Idaho agencies
  • Quick reference guide
  • Prompt guide
  • Agency leadership information
  • Best practices video
  • Podcast
  • Policy standards and guidelines
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