Workforce
New report aims to help states define the chief data officer role
The findings are intended to provide state leaders with the successes and limitations learned from other states’ efforts to establish the position.
Management
An Illinois governor-backed bill to restrict school cell phone use gains momentum
One of the state’s teachers unions has raised concerns about the costs of implementing the proposal to restrict cell phone use by children.
Artificial Intelligence
Florida Speaker kills DeSantis’ AI regulation, vaccine repeal bills on first day of special session
In social media posts, DeSantis accused House Republicans of catering to the “Big Tech cartel” and “the medical industrial complex” for killing his bills.
Sponsor Content
Closing the Service Gap in State and Local Government
Modernization needs more than new tech. Discover how aligning data, workflows, people, and AI closes service gaps for state and local agencies.
People
Chattanooga’s ‘tech guy’ mayor reflects on embrace of AI, quantum
The Tennessee city has long been a leader in innovation, and Tim Kelly said there is more to come in the Gig City as it looks to “level up.”
Management
Pennsylvania has spent $1.4 million updating its voter registration system — but won’t provide progress reports
The state embarked on a project to update the antiquated SURE system last year. Officials hope to have the new version ready by 2027.
Digital Government
US Supreme Court weighs how far police investigations can go in using cellphone location data
31 states and DC argue that geofence warrants can be more precise than many traditional investigative methods.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers introduce consolidated AI bill package
The American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Act takes provisions from previous bills and the 2024 Bipartisan AI Task Force report to move forward AI policies with support from both sides of the aisle.
Artificial Intelligence
California’s health insurance marketplace further expands AI for document verification
Covered California said the tech will now be used for more than two dozen document types to speed up checking eligibility while reducing fraud, waste and abuse at the same time.
Management
Rural Hoosiers lean on the law to fight drones
Farmers fearful that drones might be spreading disease among livestock recently persuaded the Indiana General Assembly to pass a law that prohibits the devices from being used to harm or harass farm animals.
Artificial Intelligence
Maine governor vetoes landmark data center ban
Janet Mills said the moratorium bill, which would have banned data centers larger than 20 megawatts until Nov. 2027, did not take into account a popular local project.
Featured eBooks
Digital Government
Why California's data broker registry matters more than its delete button
COMMENTARY | The state’s Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform is not a complete solution, but nor is it a token gesture. Its true extent will become apparent.
Sponsor Content
State & Local Government: Building Resilient Communities Through Smarter Energy Infrastructure
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Management
States use data to ‘push back’ on federal immigration enforcement
Officials are launching public data reporting tools to gather community members’ reports on harmful and potentially unlawful actions from federal agents, which experts say could inform legal actions in the future.
Digital Government
A new Oregon law regulates police use of license plate readers. Here’s how it works.
The legislation empowers Oregonians to sue technology vendors who violate the law’s privacy protections.
Infrastructure
Local governments race to attract data centers, often in spite of concerns from their constituents
Communities are sounding the alarm on an industry that stands to have a far greater impact beyond the walls of its warehouses.
Artificial Intelligence
When AI explains local government, authority gets blurred
COMMENTARY | Summaries can be a useful tool to show residents what is happening inside agencies. But leaders must be cautious when using them to ensure that vital information doesn’t get lost or misinterpreted.
Artificial Intelligence
Nonprofit launches forum to help city leaders leverage AI effectively
The AI and Emerging Technology Forum will serve as a platform for local leaders to learn about and pilot new AI tools and use cases.
Artificial Intelligence
DeSantis pressures House to pass AI Bill of Rights, references FSU shooting
“I think voters are going to look and say, ‘Why are you siding with big tech against the people of this state?'”
Artificial Intelligence
College students using deepfakes to harass could be investigated, punished under proposed law
A Louisiana legislative committee has advanced a bill that would add the creation of deepfakes to a list of punishable offenses for college students and employees.
Digital Government
Improving Connecticut’s public health through cross-sector data-sharing
Creation and use of a prevention data portal offers practical lessons for other states.
