Majority of applicants say they’d use AI agent to navigate public benefits processes
A new survey from Salesforce found that 87% of respondents would use an AI agent. Many of the public feel interactions with government agencies can be challenging and leave behind billions of dollars in unclaimed benefits because of it.
Customer Experience
New Jersey turns to Direct File to make tax filing easier for older adults
The Garden State is one of several that are now making retirees eligible for the federal Direct File program.
Finance
Sports bettors have one app in Rhode Island. More may be on the way.
The monopoly that International Game Technology (IGT) PLC has over Rhode Island’s digital sportsbook could come to an end by mid-2026 under bills filed in the General Assembly this month.
Artificial Intelligence
City & State’s 2025 Digital Summit explores AI, vulnerabilities to cyberattacks
The event featured keynote remarks from Dru Rai, the state’s chief information officer and a fireside chat with New York City Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser.
Sponsor Content
GovExec TV: Five Questions with Ryan Doherty
Ryan Doherty discusses technology modernization, the "business first, tech enabled" approach, and public-private partnerships for mission success.
Cybersecurity
FedRAMP to announce major overhaul next week
The initiative would seek to automate much of the cloud security program’s approval workflow and shift more control to the private sector.
Cybersecurity
Trump order put states at the forefront of cyber and natural disaster response
The executive order signed this week is part of a wider push to put the onus on states and localities to prepare for disasters, rather than the federal government.
Finance
‘Magic money’: Arizona Republicans advance bills to legitimize cryptocurrency
The bills mirror moves by 22 other states that have introduced similar legislation authorizing the state treasurer or state pension funds to invest in cryptocurrency.
People
Bill would add protections for children used as content by social media influencers
HB 392 gives legal, financial protections to minors for appearance in parent blogs and other social media content.
Digital Government
Vermont explores having telehealth hubs at libraries
An initial grant will help researchers study the feasibility of offering services at the state’s 185 libraries in a bid to help people access care even from remote areas.
Digital Government
NC House panel advances bill restricting K-12 student cell phone use
A North Carolina House committee advanced a bill requiring school boards to adopt cell phone restriction policies during instructional time.
People
Democrats push Justice Department to keep Election Threats Task Force amid rollbacks
The task force was created to help protect election officials from stalking and threats, but its future remains in question after the Trump administration scrapped other election integrity initiatives.
Featured eBooks
Artificial Intelligence
A new path to recovery: How AI can transform disaster response
COMMENTARY | With interagency data sharing, leadership, tested tools and data security, emerging tech like AI could help states and localities be better prepared for catastrophe.
Sponsor Content
A Resilience Blueprint for Local Governments
This guide offers strategies for local government leaders to enhance extreme weather resilience, future-proof energy systems, and ensure critical service continuity.
Cybersecurity
Texas mulls establishing new Cyber Command
Legislation would create the command and mandate that it set up a cybersecurity strategy. Gov. Greg Abbott said it is vital to protect the Lone Star State from bad actors.
Digital Government
Ohio anti-abortion rights lobby files complaint against company for telehealth abortion services
State defers to Ohio State Medical Board, of which the president of Ohio Right to Life is a board member.
Artificial Intelligence
Illinois lawmakers weigh new proposal to set guardrails around AI
As artificial intelligence continues to expand and students use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, state lawmakers are looking into a proposal that would require the Illinois State Board of Education to create guidance for educators on how to use AI in classrooms.
Digital Government
Mapping vulnerability in Arlington County, Virginia
Local leaders last month released the Community Vulnerability Index Map, which uses various data points to find vulnerable populations and inform where resources should be allocated.
Artificial Intelligence
Inside industry’s wishlist for a new national AI strategy
Private sector companies and industry advocated highlight U.S. dominance, export controls and federal adoption as their biggest wants in a new national AI policy.
Digital Government
New bill would loosen various BEAD rules
Republicans have long complained about some of the broadband program’s requirements and preference for fiber. New legislation would tweak many of those rules.
Digital Government
A new Texas bill is coming after online abortion pills
The 43-page measure, introduced Friday, may be the most meaningful attempt this year to block the ordering and mailing of medication abortion.
Digital Government
Attempts to remove technology from SD elections lose in court after losing at the polls
Attempts to ban tabulating machines and other technology from elections have fared no better in South Dakota courts than they did in several county elections.
