Public Safety
North Dakota lawmaker seeks limits on Flock-style cameras
A state lawmaker is planning to propose a bill to regulate the use of controversial automated license plate readers, such as Flock cameras.
Management
Texas officials acknowledge problems with voter registration system and say they’ll work with local election officials to fix it
Election officials for more than a year sought fixes to the state’s voter registration and management system, known as TEAM. The Secretary of State’s Office will create working groups and commission an audit.
People
Innovate or die: The case for a public sector chief innovation officer
COMMENTARY | Chief information officers are asked to keep mission-critical systems running and also innovate. That means innovation becomes a risky side project, not a priority.
Sponsor Content
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Artificial Intelligence
Targeting AI chatbot features could have more impact than blanket bans, expert says
New York lawmakers are taking a precise approach to AI chatbots rather than limiting overall access with a new bill, observers say.
Infrastructure
SpaceXAI started Southaven data center construction without water permits, state alleges. Fines could exceed $6M
A Mississippi agency also responds after a federal judge criticized the state’s Clean Air Act enforcement.
Artificial Intelligence
Tech policy coalition calls for new Congress to set AI safety standards
Chamber of Progress hopes for a greater focus on consumer protection and access to technological benefits when Democrats take over the majority in January.
Artificial Intelligence
Does AI fit into the traffic data collection picture?
COMMENTARY | The need for robust, accurate data remains important for the steps needed to make our roadways safer, faster, more predictable and accessible to everyone.
Artificial Intelligence
Nonprofit pledges $11M to help states modernize benefits programs
The Center for Civic Futures awarded the grants to 11 groups and said the time is now for state governments to lead the way on AI adoption and governance.
Digital Government
Oregon missing unified data collection, complaint process for farmworkers, report says
The lack of clear metrics makes it harder for the state to track the wellbeing of farmworkers throughout the state, the report argues.
Finance
Arkansas accuses prediction market, online gaming platform of operating illegal gambling
The lawsuit against Kalshi, filed in Independence County, is the latest in a wave of actions states have taken accusing the online prediction market operator of skirting anti-gambling laws.
Artificial Intelligence
Why ‘move fast and break things’ doesn't work for government AI
COMMENTARY | Public-sector failures can have life-altering consequences, so governments must work to build trust and have the right governance in place.
Sponsor Content
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Digital Government
USDA proposes chip tech requirements for electronic benefit transfer cards
While the proposed rule holds promise to reduce fraud and theft in food and cash assistance programs, observers raised concerns that the rule could create too many burdens for states to administer benefits.
People
Commenters largely oppose 2030 Census overhaul, analysis finds
Nearly 90% of the over 126,000 published comments expressed dislike of the proposal.
Cybersecurity
Election office reports failed attempts to hack its online services
A state election office also saw five spikes in traffic to its ballot drop box locator on Election Day. By 9:30 p.m. EST, analysts had received no reports of a foreign influence operation.
Artificial Intelligence
Voters reject data centers in local ballot initiatives
Of the more than 40 votes held in localities across the U.S., data centers were successful in just one, showing residents’ broad opposition to building them in their communities.
Public Safety
Report: How wildfire models can be enhanced for better preparation and recovery
Current models excel at demonstrating wildfires’ behaviors and risk of spreading, but new research identifies key data points that could optimize governments’ planning and preparation for such events.
Workforce
Tech companies enlist colleges to help them train data center workers
Data centers mostly create construction jobs, but staffing them does require some technicians to work there long-term.
Artificial Intelligence
Data centers are the digital steel of the AI century. America can't stop building them.
COMMENTARY | In defense of the industry that will power America's next century.
Digital Government
From data to decisions: How resident insights can drive smarter budget priorities
COMMENTARY | Local governments need to plan for the services communities will need tomorrow, and better use of data can help get them there.
