Allison BarnetteVirginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 51 on July 11, launching the nation’s first agentic artificial intelligence-driven regulatory review.
Agentic artificial intelligence (AI) refers to AI technologies that can act independently to complete complex tasks with minimal human input. Instead of simply responding to prompts, it takes initiative, performs multi-step processes and makes decisions within set boundaries.
In this case, Virginia is using agentic AI as a regulatory assistant. The AI will:
- Review all existing regulations and guidance documents.
- Identify contradictions between regulations and underlying laws.
- Spot redundancies and inefficiencies.
- Recommend clearer, simpler language.
Virginia plans to build on prior regulatory reform efforts, having already surpassed a 25% reduction target. The agentic AI pilot program is being deployed through multiple agencies immediately, with all executive branch agencies required to establish review schedules by Dec. 31.
This phase will allow comparisons between AI-led and human-led regulatory processes, as well as hybrid collaborations. The initiative is the first of its kind in the country, according to state officials, expecting it to serve as a model for other states and federal agencies seeking to streamline regulations and reduce red tape.
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