Author Archive

Chris Teale

Chris Teale
Chris Teale is the managing editor for Route Fifty, where he covers state and local government technology.
Artificial Intelligence

States must ‘keep delivering’ amid new Trump AI order

The pace of the new administration rescinding previous guidance and implementing their own might make leaders’ heads spin. But experts said they cannot be distracted from their own missions.

People

Amid DOGE push, states wrestle with defining ‘government efficiency’

Several states have instituted new committees in their legislatures in a bid to rein in spending. But others suggest the path to efficiency is less about grabbing headlines and more about finding new ways of working.

Digital Government

Youth-focused social media mandates need teeth, not just training

Recent legislation in Iowa would require sixth through eighth graders to study the “effects of social media.” But experts caution that minors can’t just be warned about the platforms’ dangers.

People

A BEAD critic could end up running the internet access program

Arielle Roth, a former aide to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been tapped to head up the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. She has long been skeptical of some of the $42 billion effort’s provisions.

Digital Government

Tech and chip manufacturing help make metro areas ‘dynamic’

The increase in semiconductor facilities, spurred in part by federal funding, has helped vault some cities forward. But some experts caution not to rely too heavily on one sector for economic development.

Emerging Tech

Jockeying intensifies for state quantum leadership

New Mexico will open a major research and development center, while Maryland promised to invest $1 billion in the technology in the next five years.

Digital Government

Federal tech grant recipients sweat future amid ongoing uncertainty

The federal Office of Management and Budget’s memo pausing grants caused massive uncertainty, including for technology efforts reliant on the money. Recipients say their work will continue, but be harder, without federal help.

Digital Government

Iowa floats first state-level ‘Department of Government Efficiency’

Gov. Kim Reynolds said the new task force would build on the state’s previous efforts to consolidate agencies and technology, which has already saved millions of dollars.

Digital Government

Missouri rule would require algorithm ‘transparency’ on social media

Attorney General Andrew Bailey unveiled the first-in-the-nation rule that would allow users to choose who moderates their content, in a bid to end what he called “monopoly control” over content moderation.

Digital Government

Rethink federal spending to save broadband subsidy, tech group argues

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation said the government should prioritize affordability over infrastructure and tweak eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Digital Government

Amid budget ‘crisis,’ Maryland looks to modernize government

Gov. Wes Moore this month signed an executive order mandating agencies review data to find cost savings. He also is looking to modernize the state’s permitting and licensing processes.

People

A challenging transition for new state CIOs

Several people are new to leading their state’s technology divisions and must navigate all manner of rules and laws while trying to make their own mark on the position.

Digital Government

Feds offer help complying with website accessibility rule

A toolkit from the Department of Justice called on governments to understand the rule, work out when they need to comply, train staff and identify content that needs to be changed.

Digital Government

Biden signs law easing rural broadband projects

The E-BRIDGE Act, included in a sweeping water infrastructure package, makes those projects eligible for certain federal grants and allows recipients to use private sector expertise in their development and deployment.

Digital Government

Online age verification laws await legal spotlight

A Texas law requiring adult websites to use age verification technology to limit minors’ access goes before the Supreme Court next week, as similar laws are springing up in other states.

Digital Government

Feds still aren’t fully backing satellite for BEAD grants

States can use money from the $42 billion program to reserve space on satellite networks or reimburse providers when they hit certain milestones. But the tech can only receive money if no other options exists for an area.

Artificial Intelligence

Prosecutors turn to AI for evidence management and analysis

Having one place to upload evidence from disparate sources and analyze it saves staff time and lets offices focus on seeking justice, rather than on administrative tasks.

Customer Experience

Alaska uses cloud, AI to modernize dividend payouts

The state will streamline its Permanent Fund Dividend, a program that pays eligible residents a portion of oil and mining revenue but has been beset by aged technology and processes.

Cybersecurity

Parents think schools’ cybersecurity is stronger than reality, report says

Recent research from Keeper Security found a “widening gap” between the perception of districts’ cyber readiness. Better training and information sharing can help improve the outlook.

Emerging Tech

After AI’s busy 2024, expect more of the same next year

States are likely to further attempt to regulate the technology and understand how it can benefit their governments and residents. But there are warning signs that rules deemed heavy-handed will remain unpopular.