Emerging Tech
As the Trump administration loosens AI rules, states look to regulate the technology
Measures range from consumer protections to deepfakes to use in health care.
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‘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.
Bill to catalog Nebraska school ‘tools of mass surveillance’ hits roadblock
Sponsoring State Sen. Danielle Conrad vows to find another path forward, including outside the Legislature.
Data can help agencies get ahead of increasing health care costs amid funding uncertainty
States are turning to data to inform health care spending decisions. One expert says tech like artificial intelligence will play a large role in enhancing those decisions.
New sensor detects airborne bird flu in minutes
The researchers' work is crucially timed as the avian virus has taken a dangerous turn over the past year to being transmitted via airborne particles to mammals, including humans.
‘Science experimenting’ in a leading AI state
New York CIO Dru Rai said failing fast doesn’t need to be a bad thing as agencies experiment with new technologies.
As Texas’ energy demand soars, a pilot program looks to bolster grid with “virtual power plants” fueled by people’s homes
Some Texans who install residential batteries, solar panels and smart thermostats can now send power back to the grid and get a credit on their bill.
State fire agency taps augmented reality to train for ‘high-risk missions’
Augmented reality isn’t just for avid gamers. The technology is helping California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection prepare its flight crews for real-life emergencies like hoist rescues.
Lawmaker warns of ‘patchwork’ state AI laws
Congress must take the lead on regulating the technology, said Rep. Jay Obernolte during a recent tech conference, otherwise the country risks a repeat of what has happened on data privacy laws.
How much does scientific progress cost? Without government dollars for research infrastructure, breakthroughs become improbable
It costs money to maintain the various facilities, utilities and personnel that allow scientists to conduct research in the first place. Without federal support, institutions are left scrambling.
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AI translation tools could improve trust in public safety efforts
Los Angeles County leveraged an AI tool to generate live translations during press conferences about wildfires and deliver critical safety information to residents more effectively.
Utah lawmaker wants police to disclose when they use artificial intelligence
A proposed bill would require law enforcement officers to disclose when and how they use the technology in police reports.
Navigating the increasing government cybersecurity challenges in 2025 and beyond
COMMENTARY | Identity security, resiliency and a whole-of-state approach are just some of the ways agencies can steel themselves against the ever-increasing threat landscape.
States must ‘keep delivering’ amid new Trump AI order
The pace of the new administration rescinding previous guidance and implementing their own might make leaders’ heads spin. But experts said they cannot be distracted from their own missions.
Facial recognition in policing is getting state-by-state guardrails
Instances of false arrests and privacy concerns are drawing lawmakers’ attention.
How emerging tech is shaping law enforcement
Sensors and analytics are helping under-resourced departments be more effective. But agencies must do their due diligence when adopting these new systems.
Jockeying intensifies for state quantum leadership
New Mexico will open a major research and development center, while Maryland promised to invest $1 billion in the technology in the next five years.
How governments can get agencies to stop using foreign drones: Pay up.
A proposed bill in North Dakota offers an effective model for other states looking to cut ties with foreign-made drones.
How satellites and AI help fight wildfires today
COMMENTARY | Fire spotters used to watch with binoculars from forest towers. Now, technology can help forecast fire behavior, but human experience is still essential.
EVs in Tennessee: Uncertainty abounds as Trump targets Biden-era electric vehicle funding
Tennessee investments in the electric vehicle sector face an uncertain future as President Donald Trump halts infrastructure spending.
