State Government
More states restrict 3D-printed firearms
At least six states this year have outlawed or imposed regulations on such guns.
Report shows steady, yet uneven, AI adoption across US
Microsoft said the lag can be attributed to urban adoption being double what it is in rural areas, though college towns are another powerful diffuser of the technology.
States are moving fast on AI. Now, we must measure what matters
COMMENTARY | Several are already charting a path forward on how to use the technology, but few have built the systems needed to measure its long-term impact.
States have more than one option for 2027 benefits verification — but may not know it
COMMENTARY | Agencies must take an approach designed for adaptability to help manage changing requirements, keep costs under control and improve outcomes.
More states look to preempt local AI laws, report finds
The Local Solutions Support Center found that a dozen bills in nine states look to limit local regulations and promote a so-called “right to compute,” backed by a powerful conservative group.
How a data center derailed $240,000 for affordable housing in rural Maine
In rural Midcoast Maine, nearly a quarter of a million dollars in federal money earmarked for housing was rescinded from a small town after local officials sought to use the funds for a data center.
State CIOs are more change leaders than techies, report says
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found its members are being asked to simultaneously keep systems running and innovate, with tech expertise far less important.
State cyber officials’ confidence is down, survey finds
The study by NASCIO and Deloitte found that just 26% of respondents are extremely or very confident they can protect themselves from cyber threats, down from 48% in 2022.
Future of Nebraska Broadband Office unclear following reduction in federal BEAD funds
Broadband Office director Patrick Haggerty steps down, as others work to secure $340 million in unallocated federal funds.
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.
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Government efficiency initiative hits Arizona
Amy Edwards Holmes, who will lead the state’s Capacity and Efficiency Initiative, said the effort will look to leverage tech and empower employees to save $100 million in three years.
Connecting learners and employers requires more than just good technology. It needs real leadership.
COMMENTARY | Talent marketplaces help support skills-based hiring, but states need to do more than turn to tech platforms and merge data if they are to be successful.
State privacy officers persist despite limited resources, report finds
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found the role exists in more than 30 states and plays a crucial role, but it too often lacks funding or clear authority.
Getting privacy policy right in a competitive digital economy
COMMENTARY | Many states have already shown the path forward with common elements that protect consumers while at the same time not crushing small businesses with onerous compliance costs.
Fewer phones and more books — Utah governor commends new education laws
A bell-to-bell cellphone ban and an early literacy plan were among Spencer Cox’s priorities this year, while other new laws may help take students’ attention away from social media.
Feds sue three states over prediction markets regulations
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission sued Arizona, Connecticut and Illinois for cracking down on the likes of Kalshi, Polymarket and others.
5 ways state and local governments will operationalize AI in 2026
COMMENTARY | Why 2026 will be less about adopting AI and more about embedding it responsibly into the work government already does.
Experts call for proactive, tech-driven approach to fraud prevention
State programs have been under federal scrutiny in recent times, and leaders said this moment must be a time for looking ahead and learning for the future, rather than recriminations.
States weigh pros and cons of investing in cryptocurrency
From strategic reserves to the bond market, policymakers increasingly eye digital currency options.
Social media companies must respond to search warrants within 72 hours under new Colorado law
Separate bill still under consideration would require compliance with search warrants within 24 hours.
