Artificial Intelligence
Alabama’s ‘pretty cool’ plan for robots in maternity care sparks debate
Alabama, a state with one of the nation’s highest infant mortality rates, is betting on robots to help fix its maternal care crisis. But the state’s plan for telerobotic ultrasounds in rural areas has raised doubts.
Emerging Tech
Demystifying the public sector’s flood risk challenges
COMMENTARY | Current maps are insufficient, especially in the face of rising threats. AI, machine learning and other technologies offer a new path forward.
Public Safety
When every second counts: government tech helps first responders’ lifesaving missions
For first responders facing unpredictable moments, tech that helps them safely navigate dangerous environments is critical.
Sponsor Content
Building public trust in a data-driven government
Each day, government agencies collect millions of data points about the people they serve, from birth certificates to business licenses, tax returns to benefit applications.
Workforce
States get a helping hand to implement skills-based hiring amid workforce shortages
A nonprofit is expanding a program that offers state leaders technical assistance and other resources to adopt a skills-based hiring model as agencies try to keep pace with evolving job roles and persistent workforce gaps.
Artificial Intelligence
California senator dings ‘ham handed’ approach to AI preemption
Scott Wiener, a key architect of major tech legislation in the state, said efforts to stop others doing the same are overly broad, especially as Congress has not legislated on the issue.
Artificial Intelligence
5 takeaways from new Pennsylvania report on AI
The report outlines a series of recommendations for AI use and adoption.
Management
Maine advances privacy law amid new immigration data collection concerns
Maine lawmakers are moving ahead with a plan for a comprehensive data privacy law that would amount to some of the strictest consumer protections in the country.
Digital Government
Report: Steps states can take to navigate HR 1 benefit rules
States are racing against the clock to implement changes to their benefit systems under HR 1. New research from the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation suggests cross-agency and resident collaboration can help support their efforts.
Digital Government
Debate intensifies over how to spend leftover BEAD money
One elected leader said Congress needs “more say” on spending, while others said it should stick to its original intent and be used by states to close the digital divide how they see fit.
Artificial Intelligence
Bill targets emotional, sometimes dangerous interactions between Kansans and artificial intelligence
A Kansas bill would stop artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT from encouraging suicide or murder online.
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Emerging Tech
Arizona Senate panel advances bill that shields police surveillance cameras from public scrutiny
Republican legislation exempts license plate reader data from public records despite sponsor’s claims about preventing overreach.
Sponsor Content
Navigating pitfalls in government AI adoption
Transformative technologies like generative AI have the potential to tackle some of government’s biggest challenges, but you’ll need a roadmap to get there.
Workforce
Job-matching platform continues to keep public servants in public service
A platform launched last year by Work for America is helping state and local governments recruit former federal employees to their agencies.
Artificial Intelligence
Researchers warn of AI, data centers’ water impact
Two separate reports warned the technology and the infrastructure needed to power it could exhaust water supplies. But they said policy could help avert the worst disasters.
Digital Government
Arizona bill would force companies to disclose that digital ‘purchases’ aren’t permanent
Arizona House unanimously passes bill requiring companies to disclose when digital purchases can be altered or revoked.
Management
‘Losing the fight’: Parents urge action as Indiana House revisits youth social media restrictions
Lawmakers are considering a model aimed at parental consent and data regulation — with more onus on social media companies — rather than an outright youth social media ban.
People
Maine secretary of state reflects on a tumultuous period
Shenna Bellows has lived through federal demands for voter data, ICE raids, doxing and more. But with this year’s midterm elections fast approaching, there’s more to do.
Artificial Intelligence
Pennsylvania lawmakers show bipartisan interest in standards for data centers
Gov. Josh Shapiro called on lawmakers to enact standards for data center developers.
Public Safety
Public outcry over facial recognition technology leads Milwaukee police to ban it, for now
The Milwaukee Police Department has banned use of facial recognition technology, for now, after a contentious public hearing.
Artificial Intelligence
Virginia built the digital capital of the world. Can governance keep pace?
COMMENTARY | How decades of rational decisions built a global data-center hub — and exposed the limits of public planning.
