Author Archive
Chris Teale
Digital Government
South Carolina takes its benefits call centers to the cloud
After “dismal” timeliness ratings, the state’s Department of Social Services modernized so its centers would be more reliable and use AI to help more quickly administer cases.
Artificial Intelligence
‘More research needed’ on regulating human and AI relationships
Chatbots can provide companionship in certain situations, but speakers at a recent event said much more work is needed to understand and mitigate the risks, as well as educate users.
Digital Government
Lawmakers highlight success, bipartisan agreement on school cellphone bans
A recent House hearing showcased success at the state and district level as the bans gather steam nationwide. But Democrats warned that reduced federal funding for education will not help improve educational outcomes.
Digital Government
New BEAD guidance leaves states searching for answers
Federal guidance issued last week has thrown much of the program into doubt, as states and other organizations try to find a way forward under a compressed timeline.
People
State DOGEs’ next frontiers could preempt local authority
Specific legislation designed to strip localities of their power has been introduced in several states, all in the name of government efficiency.
Cybersecurity
Gov. Greg Abbott signs law creating Texas Cyber Command
The Texas governor had declared creating a cyber command an emergency item earlier this year. State officials said it will be the largest state-based cyber department in the U.S.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate reconciliation bill text tweaks state AI regulation ban
The Senate Commerce Committee would block some funding from states that want to regulate the technology. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers have said any moratorium should be dropped altogether.
Digital Government
Feds unveil ‘critical reforms’ to BEAD program
The $42.5 billion program to expand broadband will now be technology-neutral, rather than prefer fiber. Various workforce, climate and environment rules have also been relaxed.
Artificial Intelligence
Report warns of agentic AI cyber risks
AI-powered agents are growing in popularity among the public and private sector, but could be exploited at various stages by bad actors, the R Street Institute warned.
Digital Government
Hunt for clarity on BEAD’s future goes on
With little word on the status of the Commerce Department’s review of the $42 billion broadband program, Senate Democrats and some industry groups have looked to up the pressure.
Digital Government
‘Trust is the currency’ in local government, and tech can help build it
Leaders must think about programs and their goals first and then use technology to help them get there, but when done right, it becomes vital help, speakers at a recent conference said.
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Digital Government
Pennsylvania’s website redesign looks to open ‘no wrong door’
Gov. Josh Shapiro mandated better online services in 2023, and since then a massive effort has been underway to revamp the commonwealth’s website around life events, not agency functions.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is a ‘catalyst’ to solve ‘long-standing challenges,’ state leaders say
While it may be tempting to just think about use cases for the technology, speakers at the Code for America Summit said it can also be an opportunity to improve data, service design and workforce development.
Cybersecurity
Schools are ‘strikingly collaborative’ amid cybersecurity threats, K-12 leader says
While it may appear tricky to get schools to share information across state and jurisdictional lines, one observer says there are reasons to be optimistic amid multiplying threats.
Cybersecurity
Texas Cyber Command will mean ‘expanding’ cybersecurity help, state official says
A bill to create the command is being pushed by Gov. Greg Abbott, and a Texas tech leader said it will help the state better achieve its cyber goals.
Artificial Intelligence
House-passed budget bill includes state AI moratorium
Lawmakers passed the package under reconciliation just before Memorial Day, with the 10-year ban on state AI regulation intact. Its future remains uncertain in the Senate.
Digital Government
How Idaho uses data to fill in-demand jobs
The Idaho LAUNCH scholarship program grants students up to $8,000 to cover tuition and fees at eligible institutions, if they are looking to be trained in an area that needs more workers.
Cybersecurity
Regional approach could solve water sector’s cyber challenges
The federal government has repeatedly warned of threats to critical infrastructure, which faces budget and staffing challenges. Better collaboration could help ease some of those challenges.
Digital Government
At least 20 states have reportedly lost digital equity grant funding
States across the country have had their grant funding pulled after President Donald Trump announced he was ending the program. Program supporters say they are plotting their next steps.
Digital Government
DOGE trend hits Texas, Jacksonville governments
The Lone Star State became the latest to sign legislation establishing its own Department of Government Efficiency, while Jacksonville appears to be among the first cities to set up a DOGE.
