How AI Is Changing the Public Comment Process

Why it matters:

Public comments play a real role in shaping federal regulations, but the volume and complexity of those comments make them difficult for institutions to engage with effectively. Thousands of submissions can overwhelm even experienced policy teams.

The big picture:

AI is changing what is possible. By analyzing large sets of public comments at once, institutions can identify patterns, stakeholder priorities, and direct links between comments and changes in proposed regulations. What once took weeks of manual review can now be done in hours.

What stands out:

Kelly Karki of Purdue Global describes how AI turns public comments from an overwhelming obligation into a strategic tool. Instead of reading submissions one by one, AI can surface a small number of core concerns and show how those concerns align with regulatory changes.

Bottom line:

AI does not replace judgment or expertise, but it levels the playing field. It allows more institutions to engage meaningfully in the regulatory process and to see clearly how public input can shape policy.