State and Federal Relations
E-Verify requirements draw business pushback in some Republican states
Sweeping legal work verification bills have fared poorly in many places.
‘It’s not over’: Cyber info-sharing center begins ‘next chapters’ after losing federal funding
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center now has 24 states and 3,000 individual organizations as dues-paying members after losing federal funding, a leader said.
FCC could tighten federal Lifeline program rules
The agency is advancing new eligibility requirements in the face of what it says is massive fraud across several states in the $1 billion-a-year internet and phone low-income assistance program.
The shifting cybersecurity mandate for states
COMMENTARY | Federal retrenchment means states must step up with funding and resources in a more complex environment. Multi-year federal funding can reduce some of those burdens.
Feds want to stop states regulating, blocking prediction markets
The online marketplaces have exploded in popularity, but while state leaders say they are like sports betting, regulators argue they are instead subject to federal oversight and threatened legal action.
Republican governor asserts states’ right to legislate AI
Utah Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged the logic to the Trump administration’s plan for U.S. AI dominance, but not at the expense of state laws ensuring safety.
Republican lawmakers ask GAO to review current AI regulatory landscape
Leaders in the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee have asked the Government Accountability Office to examine the regulatory landscape at both the state and federal level.
Red and blue states alike want to limit AI in insurance. Trump wants to limit the states.
A revolt is afoot across states against the use of artificial intelligence in health insurance determinations — and against efforts led by President Donald Trump to tie states’ hands.
California senator dings ‘ham handed’ approach to AI preemption
Scott Wiener, a key architect of major tech legislation in the state, said efforts to stop others doing the same are overly broad, especially as Congress has not legislated on the issue.
Maine advances privacy law amid new immigration data collection concerns
Maine lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan for a comprehensive data privacy law that would amount to some of the strictest consumer protections in the country.
Featured eBooks
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.
AI moratorium was never a ‘long-term solution,’ lawmaker says
Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., explained that Congress is angling to design a nationwide AI framework that works with state law while offering common guardrails.
‘Cowards’: State leaders condemn Trump admin election actions
A raid in Georgia and continued government legal action for voter data prompted a furious response, especially after administration officials abruptly withdrew from a hastily scheduled conference appearance.
FirstNet reauthorization effort hits Congress
A Senate subcommittee discussed reupping the public safety network’s authority before it lapses next year, while a new House bill would do the same.
AI preemption ‘top of mind’ for state, local tech leaders
Observers called for an intergovernmental working group as well as better collaboration, one month on from President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting “cumbersome” state AI regulations.
House hearings highlight AI divides
Two separate hearings last week shone light on lingering issues over preempting state and local AI regulations and the role of Congress in finally forming a national standard.
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.
Election officials say trust with CISA is broken — and may not come back
States once embraced federal election security help. Now many say politicization and pullbacks have shattered that partnership.
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.
