State and Federal Relations
States will keep pushing AI laws despite Trump’s efforts to stop them
Nearly 40 states have adopted or enacted artificial intelligence measures this year, and more are expected in 2026.
Trump AI preemption order likely to face legal challenges
State leaders said preempting tech regulation is a “dereliction of duty” and does not properly protect residents from the harms they may face.
Trump administration sues Colorado secretary of state over voter data request
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold over her refusal to hand over sensitive voter files.
Trump signs order targeting ‘cumbersome’ state AI regulation
The order instructs certain federal agencies to identify which state laws undermine federal efforts to help the U.S. lead globally in AI.
‘AI Week’ crashed by Trump-DeSantis battle over regulation: What’s next?
Florida House plans comprehensive, multi-committee study of technology’s implications.
Feds float tying kids’ screen time to school subsidies
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said in a speech last week the agency will study whether schools are now too reliant on educational technology, and if spending has resulted in bad outcomes for students.
New House commission to scrutinize AI's impact on the economy
The House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy will address policy issues like guardrails for AI and its economic, safety and health impacts.
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.
Trump plans to sign order preempting state AI laws
Congressional efforts to legally place a 10-year moratorium on state artificial intelligence regulation have thus-far failed to garner enough support.
State social media laws run into familiar challenges
As states barrel ahead with their own regulations in the absence of Congressional action, barriers like age verification, the First Amendment and worries about data privacy remain.
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Some officials, lawmakers look to speed up permitting for broadband projects
States have billions in the pipeline to build out internet infrastructure, but getting those projects approved is challenging. Lawmakers are working on the issue, while others warn of preempting local authority.
New Senate bill would reauthorize cyber grant program
It comes weeks after the House voted to reup the $1 billion state and local grants, which also received a temporary lifeline during the recent government funding deal.
Threat of AI law preemption has states on edge again
The moratorium on state-level AI regulations, which failed to be included in the federal reconciliation bill this summer, has been floated to make a return as an executive order or in must-pass defense legislation.
Homeland Security wants state driver’s license data for sweeping citizenship program
The Trump administration may turn to an obscure data-sharing network for access.
St. Paul officials still dealing with summer cyberattack’s fallout
The Minnesota capital’s networks were disrupted in July and government operations are still recovering. Preparedness and partnerships were key in the city’s response.
Amid distrust and volatility, leaders urge governments to ‘walk the talk’
It’s been a tricky year for states and localities, but speakers at the recent GOVIT Leadership Summit and Symposium said communication and keeping promises can help those governments navigate choppy waters.
Every address counts: Why redistricting makes precise legislative data essential
COMMENTARY | In an essential move for democracy, we need to solve the 4.5 million address gap, which undermines effective legislative outreach.
Feds approve first batch of finalized BEAD plans
Eighteen states and territories received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, with the agency saying the revised plans save $6 billion.
House votes to reup cyber grant program
Lawmakers approved a measure to reauthorize the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program for 10 years. It now moves to the Senate.
Federal judge questions legality of changes to SAVE database for checking voter citizenship
The judge declined to order a reversal of the changes, but called for an expedited ruling on claims by voting rights groups that the overhaul was illegal.
