Digital Government
Report: Steps states can take to navigate HR 1 benefit rules
States are racing against the clock to implement changes to their benefit systems under HR 1. New research from the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation suggests cross-agency and resident collaboration can help support their efforts.
Debate intensifies over how to spend leftover BEAD money
One elected leader said Congress needs “more say” on spending, while others said it should stick to its original intent and be used by states to close the digital divide how they see fit.
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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.
Arizona bill would force companies to disclose that digital ‘purchases’ aren’t permanent
Arizona House unanimously passes bill requiring companies to disclose when digital purchases can be altered or revoked.
Libraries help communities weather storms. Many are getting snowed under
COMMENTARY | The recent winter storms showed how vital libraries are, but they are struggling with deferred maintenance and an uncertain funding future.
Tennessee platform looks to connect academic research with business
The Tennessee Innovation Exchange provides a central repository for institutions and the private sector to partner and showcase their expertise.
As school cellphone bans gain in popularity, lawmakers say it’s time to go bell-to-bell
Despite restrictions, students say they still have access to devices during the school day.
Expert warns of the ‘digitally invisible’ population amid yawning digital divide
It’s not just infrastructure that keeps people offline, but also a lack of digital skills and trust, warned Nicol Turner Lee of the Brookings Institution during this week’s CX Workshop.
Rhode Island releases its roadmap for AI. Some boundaries have yet to be drawn.
The Governor’s AI Task Force on Wednesday released its first report offering a blueprint for how Rhode Island can stay competitive and use artificial intelligence responsibly and wisely.
North Carolina environmental agency embraces automation, process improvement
The improvements to the Department of Environmental Quality’s permitting process have helped clear over a million dollars in backlogged fees, enabling the agency to in turn hire more employees to review permits.
AI improvements to Medicaid must account for needs of eligibility workers, experts say
Improving the efficiency and accuracy of Medicaid programs is a big challenge for states. A good place to start is by designing solutions with eligibility workers front and center, experts say.
Report card finds ‘room for improvement’ in states’ school cell phone policies
Just two states — North Dakota and Rhode Island — have implemented what several groups described as a “gold standard” bell-to-bell policy. Others have more work to do.
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Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers
The groups that operate Texas’ 988 system face a convergence of challenges this year, from expiring federal money to heavier workloads since the Trump administration eliminated the special option for LGBTQ youth.
As budgets tighten, states double down on efficiency and tech innovation
Government efficiency means different things to different states, but a common thread is a deliberate effort to rethink key systems and processes, optimize services and cut costs.
How a social media-like platform is helping state agencies streamline accessibility efforts
Georgia recently adopted a customer relationship tool that aims to foster collaboration among agencies as they work toward making their online content compliant with federal accessibility rules.
State and local governments must automate digital accessibility processes
COMMENTARY | The Department of Justice’s April 2026 deadline for ADA compliance is fast approaching for many. Automation can help solve some of the biggest challenges.
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.
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.
