State and Federal Relations
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.
Government funding deal reups cyber grant program
Lawmakers reauthorized the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program as part of the deal to reopen the federal government, but funding remains an open question.
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Nearly 20 Democratic states inadvertently share driver data with ICE, lawmakers say
Nlets, a nonprofit law enforcement info-sharing network, can share state residents’ information with immigration agencies, federal lawmakers said Wednesday.
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.
