Finance
‘Magic money’: Arizona Republicans advance bills to legitimize cryptocurrency
The bills mirror moves by 22 other states that have introduced similar legislation authorizing the state treasurer or state pension funds to invest in cryptocurrency.
People
Bill would add protections for children used as content by social media influencers
HB 392 gives legal, financial protections to minors for appearance in parent blogs and other social media content.
Digital Government
Vermont explores having telehealth hubs at libraries
An initial grant will help researchers study the feasibility of offering services at the state’s 185 libraries in a bid to help people access care even from remote areas.
Sponsor Content
GovExec TV: Five Questions with Ryan Doherty
Ryan Doherty discusses technology modernization, the "business first, tech enabled" approach, and public-private partnerships for mission success.
Digital Government
NC House panel advances bill restricting K-12 student cell phone use
A North Carolina House committee advanced a bill requiring school boards to adopt cell phone restriction policies during instructional time.
People
Democrats push Justice Department to keep Election Threats Task Force amid rollbacks
The task force was created to help protect election officials from stalking and threats, but its future remains in question after the Trump administration scrapped other election integrity initiatives.
Artificial Intelligence
A new path to recovery: How AI can transform disaster response
COMMENTARY | With interagency data sharing, leadership, tested tools and data security, emerging tech like AI could help states and localities be better prepared for catastrophe.
Cybersecurity
Texas mulls establishing new Cyber Command
Legislation would create the command and mandate that it set up a cybersecurity strategy. Gov. Greg Abbott said it is vital to protect the Lone Star State from bad actors.
Digital Government
Ohio anti-abortion rights lobby files complaint against company for telehealth abortion services
State defers to Ohio State Medical Board, of which the president of Ohio Right to Life is a board member.
Artificial Intelligence
Illinois lawmakers weigh new proposal to set guardrails around AI
As artificial intelligence continues to expand and students use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, state lawmakers are looking into a proposal that would require the Illinois State Board of Education to create guidance for educators on how to use AI in classrooms.
Digital Government
Mapping vulnerability in Arlington County, Virginia
Local leaders last month released the Community Vulnerability Index Map, which uses various data points to find vulnerable populations and inform where resources should be allocated.
Featured eBooks
Artificial Intelligence
Inside industry’s wishlist for a new national AI strategy
Private sector companies and industry advocated highlight U.S. dominance, export controls and federal adoption as their biggest wants in a new national AI policy.
Sponsor Content
A Resilience Blueprint for Local Governments
This guide offers strategies for local government leaders to enhance extreme weather resilience, future-proof energy systems, and ensure critical service continuity.
Digital Government
New bill would loosen various BEAD rules
Republicans have long complained about some of the broadband program’s requirements and preference for fiber. New legislation would tweak many of those rules.
Digital Government
A new Texas bill is coming after online abortion pills
The 43-page measure, introduced Friday, may be the most meaningful attempt this year to block the ordering and mailing of medication abortion.
Digital Government
Attempts to remove technology from SD elections lose in court after losing at the polls
Attempts to ban tabulating machines and other technology from elections have fared no better in South Dakota courts than they did in several county elections.
Cybersecurity
What’s next for cybersecurity, election info sharing?
Federal funding has been slashed by $10 million for two information sharing centers, which both have tens of thousands of members. A more fragmented and expensive future could follow as states and others go it alone.
Cybersecurity
Progressives seek health privacy protections in California, but Newsom could balk
Democratic state lawmakers in California have proposed bills to protect women, transgender people, and immigrants in response to concerns that their health data could be used against them. If the measures reach his desk, Gov. Gavin Newsom could lay such legislation aside to focus on securing federal funds.
Cybersecurity
Big Tech lobbies New Mexico for AG-backed bill
Democratic lawmakers in the state differ on how to protect consumer information online, while a lobbyist for Big Tech companies including Amazon, Google, Meta, Target and General Motors personally lobbied lawmakers on at least one data privacy bill.
Workforce
The push to restore semiconductor manufacturing faces a labor crisis − can the US train enough workers in time?
COMMENTARY | Bringing chip manufacturing back to America is a national security and economic priority, but a shortage of skilled workers threatens to derail the effort.
Cybersecurity
Water systems’ cybersecurity dogged by ‘turf war’ between IT, OT
It can be hard to break down siloes between the operational and information technology in water utilities. But speakers at a recent panel called for more visibility and cooperation to keep critical infrastructure safe.
