State and Federal Relations
Congress is letting states hoard broadband billions
COMMENTARY | The restructured BEAD program will save taxpayer money, but some governments want to hold onto that cash rather than return it to their residents.
Half of BEAD funds may end up unspent, report says
Around $21 billion of the federal broadband program could be left over, according to recent research, which also found that as many as 1 million locations could still be unserved.
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Direct File won’t happen in 2026, IRS tells states
The free service that allowed taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS was used by hundreds of thousands of taxpayers in 2024 and 2025, who gave it high marks — although tax prep companies and Republicans have sought its end.
Expanding telehealth coverage and flexibility remains a priority for states, report says
Through broader telehealth policies, states can provide pathways for patients and providers to better leverage such resources, one expert says.
DHS asked Texas to hand over driver’s license data for citizenship checks
It’s the latest step to pool confidential data that the Trump administration claims will help identify noncitizens on voter rolls and tighten immigration enforcement.
Nonprofit offers alternative funding for school, library Wi-Fi programs
Mission Telecom said it would match any discounts those institutions received under the FCC’s E-Rate program for loaning out Wi-Fi hotspots and providing service on school buses.
Report: Better customer experience can smooth states’ rollout of new federal benefit requirements
A new report indicates that improving customer experience for those interacting with their benefit systems can help alleviate some pressure on states looking to upgrade them ahead of new federal rules.
Trump administration proposal for online voter registration form raises concerns
The new federal tool would incorporate a citizenship check, but state election officials question whether it can comply with their laws.
State interest in AI regulations unlikely to die down soon, expert says
Even as the federal moratorium threatens to return, state legislators want to regulate the technology themselves absent action from Congress, and are looking at a variety of areas to do so.
Accessibility funding inconsistent despite growing importance, report finds
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ annual survey found that, while nearly all states are ploughing ahead to comply with a federal accessibility rule, they need more money to help them get there.
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Shutdown leaves gaps in states’ health data, possibly endangering lives
Without the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states must rely on ‘DIY’ disease surveillance.
Nonprofit files lawsuit to reinstate digital equity grants
The Trump administration cancelled funding under the Digital Equity Act earlier this year. A group that was in line to receive some of those funds is now suing to get them back.
What will become of leftover BEAD money?
States and the federal government are projecting billions of dollars in savings from the latest round of broadband plans. Where those savings go next remains an open question.
Report: Government needs a sweeping anti-scam strategy to counter modern fraud
Though many federal agencies have fraud-prevention responsibilities, no one agency has the authority to coordinate such efforts.
With federal penalties looming, Washington looks to curb food stamp payment errors
States that routinely overpay or underpay food stamp recipients could now lose hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.
Federal funding runs out for cyber info-sharing center
Without federal support for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, it now shifts to a paid membership model.
Feds ‘pleasantly surprised’ by new round of BEAD proposals
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said she was encouraged by the revised plans coming in from states and predicted “tremendous success” in building out broadband internet.
Judge refuses to block voter data transfer, noting election agency’s promise to sign agreement first
A Circuit Court judge in South Carolina refused Wednesday to temporarily block the South Carolina Election Commission from sharing information with the Department of Justice.
FCC ends federal funding for Wi-Fi hotspots, access on buses
Chair Brendan Carr said the two uses of E-Rate funding were unlawful and it represented “overreach” by the Biden administration.
Feds vote to move forward with cellphone jamming, a longtime priority for South Carolina prisons
A plan to allow cellphone jamming in state prisons can move forward, the Federal Communications Commission decided Tuesday.
