Artificial Intelligence
As White House blocks Utah AI bill, other chatbot and deepfake regulations advance
The race to develop AI includes a race to regulate it that is dividing Republicans.
People
E-Verify requirements draw business pushback in some Republican states
Sweeping legal work verification bills have fared poorly in many places.
Digital Government
Feds extend a telehealth rule that could help save more people from opioid overdoses
The rule removes the in-person visit requirement for providers to prescribe a medication to treat opioid substance use disorders, which experts say could help save lives and reduce public health costs long-term.
Sponsor Content
Beyond compliance: Emerging lessons from H.R 1’s impact on benefits delivery
H.R. 1 imposes strict compliance requirements and financial penalties, but provides an opportunity to transform the public benefits experience for constituents and caseworkers alike.
Artificial Intelligence
Localities bemoan apparent ‘race to the bottom’ on data centers
Attendees at the National Association of Counties said tech companies are not being good partners, but research and recent deals suggest a new way of doing business for local governments.
Digital Government
The first-in-the-nation TikTik ban that wasn’t
U.S. Federal District Court Judge Donald Molloy strikes down the Montana Legislature’s statewide restriction, which has been stalled in legal limbo since its passage in 2023.
Public Safety
Eyeball recognition, surveillance towers part of $40 million immigration awards for local Florida police
Gov. Rob DeSantis and the Cabinet approved the latest portion of a $250 million state grant for enforcement.
Digital Government
Alabama joins early state efforts to launch chip-enabled EBT cards
California and Oklahoma also lead the nation in EBT card modernization efforts intended to stamp out costly benefit fraud and theft.
Cybersecurity
‘It’s not over’: Cyber info-sharing center begins ‘next chapters’ after losing federal funding
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center now has 24 states and 3,000 individual organizations as dues-paying members after losing federal funding, a leader said.
Artificial Intelligence
New Google partnership a ‘sizable investment’ in AI for teachers
Tech giant won’t attach a price tag to 3-year agreement with ISTE+ASCD.
Infrastructure
Data center tax breaks are on the chopping block in some states
Rising energy costs and environmental concerns drive states to reconsider incentives.
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Digital Government
FCC could tighten federal Lifeline program rules
The agency is advancing new eligibility requirements in the face of what it says is massive fraud across several states in the $1 billion-a-year internet and phone low-income assistance program.
Sponsor Content
How Workday supports transit agency operations
Transit agencies have unique needs as they navigate aging infrastructure and assets, complex capital projects, and the expectations of both the public they serve and their own workforce.
Artificial Intelligence
As data centers look to rural New England, Maine considers a moratorium
The bill’s advocates want answers about how data centers will affect energy costs in the region, which already has some of the country’s highest electricity prices.
Management
Louisiana mifepristone lawsuit could hinder telehealth abortion nationwide
Missouri, Idaho, Kansas, Texas and Florida are also suing the FDA over mifepristone’s regulations and asking the courts to restrict or rescind approval of the drug altogether.
Cybersecurity
The shifting cybersecurity mandate for states
COMMENTARY | Federal retrenchment means states must step up with funding and resources in a more complex environment. Multi-year federal funding can reduce some of those burdens.
Digital Government
Maryland turns to tech to improve foster care outcomes for children
A software tool is helping the Maryland Department of Human Services connect children in foster care with more family members or friends, which is linked with better adulthood outcomes.
Digital Government
Feds want to stop states regulating, blocking prediction markets
The online marketplaces have exploded in popularity, but while state leaders say they are like sports betting, regulators argue they are instead subject to federal oversight and threatened legal action.
Management
Hidden in plain sight: Surveillance at the Arizona border
From hidden license plate readers to AI-powered cameras, federal agents have built a vast monitoring network that stretches deep into Arizona.
Artificial Intelligence
Republican governor asserts states’ right to legislate AI
Utah Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged the logic to the Trump administration’s plan for U.S. AI dominance, but not at the expense of state laws ensuring safety.
Infrastructure
Data center growth goes full steam ahead across the US
Investments in and construction of data centers are increasing across the U.S., particularly in areas where such facilities have previously lagged.
