Digital Government
Building modern paid family and medical leave programs
COMMENTARY | How agile development, human-centered design and an API-first strategy drive success to ensure software always aligns with user needs.
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Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere
Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
Governor rejects fast-track for small nuclear reactors at Arizona data centers
Katie Hobbs vetoes Arizona small modular nuclear reactor veto bill that would have exempted unproven technology from environmental review.
Louisiana will turn to AI to detect Medicaid fraud, health officials say
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is developing an artificial intelligence and data analysis tool the Louisiana Department of Health will use to fight “fraud, waste and abuse,” state officials said.
These states have cracked the customer experience code
COMMENTARY | By implementing enterprise customer experience programs, New York and Maryland are improving service, lowering operating costs and building back trust with constituents.
Ending Direct File could have downstream impacts for states, experts worry
Without the free, government-backed tax filing service, state agencies could see their modernization and efficiency gains unraveled, those experts say.
Alabama Senate passes bills requiring device filters, app store age checks for minors
Lawmakers are considering two bills aim to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content online.
‘Water is complicated’: Utah looks to data-driven future for natural resources
The state is embarking on a management refresh for its Great Salt Lake amid competing oversight and the ever-present threat of drought. Tech and AI could help make that revamp easier.
FirstNet seeks engagement, outreach support from industry
The winner of this five-year pact will also contribute to the network's roadmap and strategy for incorporating new technologies.
State-level DOGE work gathers speed
Oklahoma’s new government efficiency unit issued a report on what it has found to cut, while Iowa’s first-in-the-nation effort held its inaugural meeting. But experts say efficiency isn’t just about cutting spending.
Cryptocurrency tax revenue negligible since launch of Colorado program
In the more than two years that Colorado has accepted cryptocurrency as payment for state taxes, the amount it has received is negligible.
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Lawmakers strive to protect New York’s universal broadband rollout
The state is pushing forward with its goals under the threat of Trump administration cuts.
How cyber vulnerabilities and workforce cuts threaten the crisis lifeline program
A bipartisan, bicameral measure is hoping to prevent cyber incidents from limiting access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline after a 2022 attack on a system operator disrupted calls to the hotline.
Nebraska social media age-verification bill moves forward
Democratic-allied lawmakers described the bill as government overreach and said it likely would face lawsuits, while supporters of the proposal said it would help address a mental health crisis among young people.
The Colorado model: Leveraging research and data to guide investments and drive outcomes
COMMENTARY | A new partnership helps lawmakers make data-driven decisions and identify whether initiatives are succeeding. It will ensure value for money for residents and deliver proven outcomes.
An algorithm deemed this nearly blind 70-year-old prisoner a “moderate risk.” Now he’s no longer eligible for parole.
A Louisiana law cedes much of the power of the parole board to an algorithm that bars thousands of prisoners from a shot at early release.
Online age verification and the battle over biometrics
COMMENTARY | Lawmakers are experimenting with various ways to verify users’ ages and keep minors off websites with adult content. Using biometrics could represent a better path forward.
New York leaders agree to school cellphone ban as rest of budget remains in limbo
Legislative leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul have settled on a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools, a top priority for the governor and the first budget item that appears settled
Judge strikes down Arkansas social media law
The decision in a U.S. District Court marks the first time a state’s law restricting children’s platform use has been struck down, although the decision may be appealed.
AI-backed stop sign cameras help slow down drivers
States and localities are experimenting with the technology to catch scofflaws, but are still verifying suspected violations using human officers.
Technology is the enabler for state government’s next chapter
COMMENTARY | With tightening budgets and rising expectations, automation and data-driven insights can help leaders be efficient and expand their digital services.
