Digital Government
Virginia social media law takes effect amid legal challenge
Minors in the commonwealth can now only use the platforms for one hour a day, with any more time requiring parental approval via age verification. An industry group is suing to block it.
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States continue to explore solutions to federal rule changes for public benefit programs
States must consider new data sources and approaches to ensuring their benefit systems are on track to comply with impending changes to the Medicaid and SNAP program, one expert says.
Texas county looks to task force to help close digital divide
Harris County, the most populous in the state, established its broadband task force in November to advise on projects, initiatives and other efforts to boost connectivity.
Defense law includes expanded counter-drone authority
The National Defense Authorization Act included legislation to reauthorize federal agencies’ authority to bring down drones through 2028 and help state and local agencies do the same.
How Californians can use a new state website to block hundreds of data brokers
A tool called DROP lets California residents fill out a few forms to keep their personal data from being tracked or sold by data brokers.
Worried about surveillance, states enact privacy laws and restrict license plate readers
As part of its deportation efforts, the Trump administration has made a push for personal data.
Budget uncertainty could hamper state and local tech skills development
States and localities must find alternative ways to support their digital inclusion efforts amid budget cuts, experts say.
BEAD changes broke the law, federal watchdog finds
The Government Accountability Office found that last summer’s tweaks to the program should be submitted to Congress for approval before they can take effect.
Alabama lawmaker pushes for screen time limits for children
Jeana Ross, R-Guntersville, said research shows that less screen time for children from birth until five years old helps build social skills.
Inside Eric Adams’ school Chromebook spending spree in New York City
The Adams administration shelled out north of $320 million to give public school students Chromebooks that connect to the internet through cell service. Most already have internet at home.
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Agriculture focuses on SNAP fraud, while experts worry EBT theft will go unabated
“The most damaging form of fraud in SNAP is fraud where the low-income recipients are the victims, not the perpetrators,” a senior analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities argues.
An AI tool built by local government, for local government
Washoe County, Nevada, is helping develop an AI tool aimed at meeting the unique needs and demands of its residents and employees.
How an AI agent can help caseworkers maintain the ‘human relationship’ with clients
In California, Riverside County is experimenting with an AI agent that aims to help caseworkers focus more on supporting public benefit recipients and less on administrative tasks.
States embrace cloud centers of excellence amid modernization push
Speakers at the forefront of the move to the centers said at last week’s GovExec Cloud Summit they help build governance, best practices and employee skills.
Failure to activate: When Utah officers violate body-cam policies
The Utah Investigative Journalism Project filed nearly 170 records requests with 48 Utah law enforcement agencies about body camera use.
Louisiana’s age-check law for social media is unconstitutional, federal judge rules
The Secure Online Child Interaction and Age Limitation Act calls for all social media sites with more than 5 million users to make “reasonable efforts” to obtain proof of age to establish an account.
Meeting with developers, New Hampshire representatives assess AI tools, concerns
Legislators and officials could conscript AI agents to streamline their work, but such tools also carry risks and warrant regulation, employees of AI developer Anthropic said to representatives at a Dec. 15 meeting of the caucus.
New Jersey’s New Year’s resolution to tap AI for better service delivery
At a time when states are pressed to innovate their public benefit systems, the Garden State is prioritizing expanding its AI tools under a new grant program.
In the vast expanses of Indian country, broadband gaps create health gaps, too
On Idaho’s remote Fort Hall Reservation, thousands live without reliable high-speed internet, which supports health care, education, and daily life.
