Artificial intelligence
How libraries can help the public engage with AI and their local government
With a better understanding of the technology, residents could be more trusting of and engaged with government’s use of AI.
Government leaders see ‘momentum’ in agencies’ AI adoption
Speakers at the Google Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas last week said the shift from pilot programs to implementation has accelerated in the last year, and will keep doing so.
Minnesota passes the nation’s first ban on ‘nudification’ apps
The apps are one of the major ways nonconsensual AI deepfakes can be made without any technical expertise — including by kids.
Florida Speaker kills DeSantis’ AI regulation, vaccine repeal bills on first day of special session
In social media posts, DeSantis accused House Republicans of catering to the “Big Tech cartel” and “the medical industrial complex” for killing his bills.
Chattanooga’s ‘tech guy’ mayor reflects on embrace of AI, quantum
The Tennessee city has long been a leader in innovation, and Tim Kelly said there is more to come in the Gig City as it looks to “level up.”
Lawmakers introduce consolidated AI bill package
The American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Act takes provisions from previous bills and the 2024 Bipartisan AI Task Force report to move forward AI policies with support from both sides of the aisle.
California’s health insurance marketplace further expands AI for document verification
Covered California said the tech will now be used for more than two dozen document types to speed up checking eligibility while reducing fraud, waste and abuse at the same time.
Maine governor vetoes landmark data center ban
Janet Mills said the moratorium bill, which would have banned data centers larger than 20 megawatts until Nov. 2027, did not take into account a popular local project.
When AI explains local government, authority gets blurred
COMMENTARY | Summaries can be a useful tool to show residents what is happening inside agencies. But leaders must be cautious when using them to ensure that vital information doesn’t get lost or misinterpreted.
Nonprofit launches forum to help city leaders leverage AI effectively
The AI and Emerging Technology Forum will serve as a platform for local leaders to learn about and pilot new AI tools and use cases.
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DeSantis pressures House to pass AI Bill of Rights, references FSU shooting
“I think voters are going to look and say, ‘Why are you siding with big tech against the people of this state?'”
College students using deepfakes to harass could be investigated, punished under proposed law
A Louisiana legislative committee has advanced a bill that would add the creation of deepfakes to a list of punishable offenses for college students and employees.
Mississippi law school is the first in the Southeast to require AI education
While the school has other AI classes, a general course is now mandatory for all first-year students.
California students author new ‘digital wellness’ bill, say phone bans fall short
Assembly Bill 2071 would require California schools to include social media and AI use in health classes.
This data center is getting a $77 million tax break to create one job
No other project in the country has gotten such a large subsidy to create so few jobs, according to watchdogs.
Nonprofit puts up $10M to help agencies test AI tools for benefits modernization
The Center for Civic Futures will offer funds to agencies looking to design and test their tech solutions to operational problems with their benefit systems.
Amid artificial intelligence explosion, Illinois lawmakers debate best path to regulate
The state already has some laws in place, but legislators raised concerns about the harm AI may still be causing consumers.
Virginia governor amends bills that shift costs onto data centers. Critics say her tweaks weaken them.
As negotiations continue around whether the tax exemptions for data centers will remain, Spanberger removes adding new costs onto that customer class.
Data centers hit the ballot this year
Residents in a Wisconsin city already passed a measure to restrict their development, while others may follow, including a statewide effort in Ohio.
Maine is set to ban data centers, becoming the first state in the nation to do so
The legislation still requires the Governor’s signature to become the law, but it represents a growing bipartisan concern among voters over potential energy rate hikes and water usage.
