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.

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.