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.
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.
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.
5 reasons delivery teams should include policy experts in the age of AI
COMMENTARY | Policy experts are uniquely equipped to leverage AI in bridging the gap between policy and implementation.
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.
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