Emerging Tech
Businesses can’t require microchip implants for workers under new Washington law
Workers in the state don’t need to worry about their employers forcing them to get a microchip implant under a bill signed Wednesday.
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Report: States are taking a cautious approach to agentic AI
The new phase of AI has piqued tech leaders’ interest, but a recent report indicates that they are still trying to understand the technology first.
Questions about self-driving cars amplify after one blocked an ambulance responding to Austin shooting
While the encounter didn’t significantly hinder response to the shooting, it has raised concerns about the vehicles as they expand to more Texas cities and before new state regulations kick in.
Michigan House committee hears proposal to restrict state drone purchases
The bill would ban state dollars being used to purchase drones from companies listed as concerns by the federal government, and give agencies a five-year replacement window.
Labor advocates try to put the brakes on unregulated, self-driving Waymo cars
Minnesota doesn’t have laws regulating autonomous vehicles, and some lawmakers argue that the state needs to get them in place now to ensure the introduction of self-driving cars doesn’t cause chaos.
Why quantum security must be on every CIO’s 2026 priority list
COMMENTARY | The consequences of a quantum-backed cyberattack could be tremendous, especially if they target critical infrastructure. Too many states have not planned ahead.
The case for cross-agency data sharing: Unlocking government's hidden potential
COMMENTARY | Agencies are using shared data to increase wages, boost public health and help move people out of poverty. Far from being a pipe dream, it’s already creating real results.
Demystifying the public sector’s flood risk challenges
COMMENTARY | Current maps are insufficient, especially in the face of rising threats. AI, machine learning and other technologies offer a new path forward.
Arizona Senate panel advances bill that shields police surveillance cameras from public scrutiny
Republican legislation exempts license plate reader data from public records despite sponsor’s claims about preventing overreach.
Indiana lawmakers consider crypto pension investments, ATM scam crackdown
Legislation letting cryptocurrency into public pension investments — and tackling crypto ATM scams — was heard in committee, with votes expected next week.
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Scottsdale PD’s massive use of AI license plate tracking cameras raises privacy concerns in Arizona
Scottsdale police conducted 12,527 searches of nationwide license plate database, nearly 1-in-4 queries by state agencies.
Feds announce two new drone test sites
The sites — the first new ones in over a decade — will be in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
DHS launches office for drone and counter-drone technologies
The agency said the new office is already in the process of finalizing a $115 million investment in counter-drone tech that will be used to help secure the FIFA World Cup and activities celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
This year’s top trends in aerial imagery, AI and GIS
COMMENTARY | These technologies will propel state and local governments forward in 2026, and will transform how they understand realities, anticipate risks and protect their communities.
California tax revenue getting a boost from AI boom — but for how long?
As talk of a possible AI bubble grows, so does uncertainty around an important source of California tax money.
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.
Could self-driving cars be on a collision course with Zohran Mamdani?
The incoming mayor has not weighed in on the autonomous vehicles that have taken other cities by storm. But he’s certain to face pressure to do so, from both the industry and taxi workers.
The drone threat is here. Is your community ready?
COMMENTARY | The technology exists to mitigate threats, and governments must act now to make policy and planning decisions, get people trained and establish a command structure.
States urge more federal coordination amid growth of new aviation options
Advanced air mobility promises air taxis, delivery planes and others in the nation’s skies. Leaders said while the FAA must lead on airspace management, it must listen to those on the ground.
Texas becomes the first state to buy bitcoin as more states eye cryptocurrencies
A new law allows Texas to invest millions in the emerging financial market.
