Artificial Intelligence
Michigan’s use of AI to process SNAP applications draws concerns about past automation failures
Given the state’s track record in using an algorithmic fraud detection system, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ use of AI in SNAP determinations holds a lot of reason for caution and concern, an expert says.
Artificial Intelligence
GOP policy leads highlight child safety as key step in national AI legislation
Legislators are still working through options for what that legislation will look like, including the possibility of reviving the proposed moratorium on state AI regulations.
Artificial Intelligence
Open-source AI assistant shows promise for California caseworkers’ service delivery
By automating part of the benefit application process, a generative AI agent has enabled caseworkers to connect more efficiently and meaningfully with their clients.
Sponsor Content
Social Media Accessibility for Governments: What to Know
72% of residents engage digitally—are your social posts accessible? Avoid legal risks, boost trust, and meet ADA standards with these must-know tips.
People
What governors said about tech in their state of the state addresses
AI, data centers and cell phone use in schools dominated state leaders’ speeches as legislative sessions kicked off in state houses across the country.
Artificial Intelligence
PA House lawmakers approve data center regulation bill
Lawmakers passed House Bill 1834 with a 104-95 vote.
Infrastructure
Data center restrictions signed into South Dakota law after push for incentives failed
After lawmakers rejected incentives for large data centers, Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a bill that puts new limits on them.
Digital Government
Efforts to meet HR 1 Medicaid rules can also ‘build for the future’
Strategies to implement major changes to state Medicaid systems today could also help states better field future updates, experts explained during a recent webinar.
People
Former FEMA administrator reflects on tumultuous time for ‘people-first’ agency
Deanne Criswell, who led the agency under former President Joe Biden, said critics who want to shift responsibility to states and localities use a “lazy way” to characterize its mission.
Infrastructure
North Carolina invests $26M to expand high-speed internet into additional rural areas by 2026
The additional funding targets 5,161 homes, businesses and community anchor institutions in 66 counties across rural portions of the state.
Artificial Intelligence
NYC’s Education Dept. is releasing a long-awaited AI policy. Some schools already have their own.
Schools have embraced a wide variety of approaches, from policies outlining acceptable use, to bans, to no formal discussion of AI at all.
Digital Government
Maryland’s data lead reflects on ongoing ‘culture shift’
Natalie Evans Harris, the state’s chief data officer, said that, while sharing data can be difficult, centralizing it where possible can help agencies work together and make more holistic decisions.
Sponsor Content
Moving Government Finance from Complexity to Confidence
Finance leaders face rising pressure see how modern platforms deliver faster insights better reporting and confident data driven decisions.
Management
As Trump demands voter data, this fiercely independent Red State says no
Wary of federal intrusion, Idaho passed a law three decades ago allowing it to sidestep so-called motor-voter laws. The exemption and the sentiment behind it are fueling resistance to President Donald Trump’s Justice Department.
Artificial Intelligence
White House releases regulatory vision for AI
The framework includes seven AI policy recommendations for Congress, including a call to preempt what it terms "cumbersome" state AI laws.
Artificial Intelligence
When publishing stops being the endpoint
COMMENTARY | Government systems were not designed to be interpreted by AI, but by reducing the need for inference, there are ways to improve the process.
Management
Data is the building block to better government, Philadelphia official says
Philadelphia wants to revitalize one of its poorest neighborhoods and is leaning on data to keep officials accountable to the public throughout the process.
Digital Government
New ‘quirks’ could make states’ privacy laws impossible to follow, experts worry
Speakers during a recent webinar repeated their calls for Congress to pass a national standard, and warned that new approaches in several states could complicate matters further.
Artificial Intelligence
Hochul, DiNapoli want more information on AI’s threat and benefits to the workforce
A new commission is tasked with creating policy remedies to the potential rise in automation.
Digital Government
Trump’s anti-fraud task force poised to scrutinize benefits programs
The new White House task force will withhold government funding for state and local benefits programs if their anti-fraud controls are viewed as lacking.
Infrastructure