Digital Government
Nebraska social media age-verification bill moves forward
Democratic-allied lawmakers described the bill as government overreach and said it likely would face lawsuits, while supporters of the proposal said it would help address a mental health crisis among young people.
Artificial Intelligence
Bipartisan bill calls for NOAA to use AI to forecast wildfires and extreme weather
The bill’s introduction comes amid Trump administration efforts to scale back the agency’s workforce and operations.
Digital Government
The Colorado model: Leveraging research and data to guide investments and drive outcomes
COMMENTARY | A new partnership helps lawmakers make data-driven decisions and identify whether initiatives are succeeding. It will ensure value for money for residents and deliver proven outcomes.
Sponsor Content
6 service delivery pillars government should prioritize for 2025 and beyond
Moving into 2025, government agencies are facing a flurry of opportunities and uncertainties.
Public Safety
Law enforcement taps drones to improve response times and safety
By allowing drone operators to listen in on 911 calls in real time, a Georgia police department aims to enhance public safety operations.
Artificial Intelligence
How cities are making data-driven decisions in the age of AI
For almost a decade, What Works Cities has helped cities understand how to use the data they collect to improve outcomes. The advent of AI has accelerated much of that mission.
Infrastructure
As demand for AI rises, so do power thirsty data centers
As data centers are developed in new communities across the country, residents and their state legislators see a mix of financial benefits with energy and environmental challenges.
Management
GOP-backed bill would help verify the results of hand-counted ballots in Texas
The proposal would require counties who choose to hand-count to use ballots that can be scanned and tabulated by a voting machine.
Workforce
Michigan turns to AI to spruce up its workforce development efforts
The Economic Development Corporation is leveraging artificial intelligence to match job seekers with vacant positions across the state.
Infrastructure
Lawmakers fear AI data centers will drive up residents’ power bills
Roughly a dozen proposals in state legislatures nationwide seek to ensure that data centers don’t result in increased rates for other electric customers.
Digital Government
An algorithm deemed this nearly blind 70-year-old prisoner a “moderate risk.” Now he’s no longer eligible for parole.
A Louisiana law cedes much of the power of the parole board to an algorithm that bars thousands of prisoners from a shot at early release.
Featured eBooks
Cybersecurity
Cyber insecurity: Shields down?
COMMENTARY | Federal funding cuts and the end of the cyber grant program, combined with growing threats from nation-states, has made our cybersecurity posture weaker.
Sponsor Content
Cybersecurity best practices for state and local agencies
As SLG grapples with cyber threats and limited resources, they are harnessing security services to enhance defenses.
Public Safety
State and local governments continue fight drug epidemic with tech
From at-home devices to federal lab testing, state and local officials are finding new ways to leverage tech to curb drug overdoses in their communities.
Management
Ohio governor supports new bill banning student cellphone use in schools
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is throwing his support behind a new bill that would require public schools to create a policy banning students from using cell phones during the school day.
Public Safety
PA House passes bill creating criminal offense for tracking device-based stalking
The legislation heads to the Senate after passing with a 201-2 vote.
Customer Experience
Online age verification and the battle over biometrics
COMMENTARY | Lawmakers are experimenting with various ways to verify users’ ages and keep minors off websites with adult content. Using biometrics could represent a better path forward.
Artificial Intelligence
‘Hard, unglamorous work’ now can mean AI success later, city leaders say
Use cases for the technology are multiplying and now include areas like storm and wildfire prediction. But first, cities must make sure their data is clean and employees are on board.
Workforce
Measure to require E-Verify for all Florida businesses moves to House
Existing law requires only employers with 25 employees or more to use the system to vet the legal status of their workforces.
Public Safety
Public health risks of urban wildfire smoke prompt push for more monitoring
In February, nearly a dozen lawmakers from California called on the EPA to create a task force of local and federal authorities to better monitor what’s in the air and inform the public.
Cybersecurity
The ‘mutual benefit’ of student-run cyber centers on campus
A number of universities are opening security operations centers to deal with cybersecurity incidents and monitoring, and have students help run them alongside full-time staff.
