State and Federal Relations
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.
Trump order put states at the forefront of cyber and natural disaster response
The executive order signed this week is part of a wider push to put the onus on states and localities to prepare for disasters, rather than the federal government.
New bill would loosen various BEAD rules
Republicans have long complained about some of the broadband program’s requirements and preference for fiber. New legislation would tweak many of those rules.
Two Texans in Congress defend CHIPS Act in the face of Trump’s criticism
Although the president has said he wants to “get rid of” the act, Rep. Michael McCaul and Sen. John Cornyn say it supports jobs and national security.
Hosting global events: Lessons in security, collaboration and innovation
COMMENTARY | The world will be watching as the U.S. prepares to host the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics. With collaboration, data-sharing and preparation the country can set a new global standard.
‘Leave it alone’: Amid BEAD review, state leaders plead for stability
While elected officials in Washington criticize the broadband program’s speed and requirements, some officials urged them to let states proceed with plans to get people connected.
Commerce secretary announces ‘rigorous review’ of BEAD program
Howard Lutnick said it is in “dire need of a readjustment,” and pledged to take a tech-neutral approach while dismantling many of the broadband access program’s Biden-era requirements.
NIST fires over 70 probationary employees, including CHIPS staff
Terminations also occurred at the National Technical Information Service, despite the California court ruling that the government's personnel agency doesn't have the authority to order firings.
Federal lawmaker raises concerns over a proposed AI bill in Georgia
A bill aimed at preparing Georgia for the continuing proliferation of artificial intelligence did not get a committee vote Wednesday after a Georgia GOP Congressman put the kibosh on it, one official says.
As bird flu spreads, feds might undercut states by firing scientists, removing data
The avian influenza virus has killed millions of wild birds and led to emergency culling of commercial flocks.
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Lawmaker favors ‘issue by issue’ approach to AI regulation
Congress should not just pass sweeping federal standards and leave states to regulate the rest, Rep. Jay Obernolte, a California Republican and a key player on regulating the tech, told Route Fifty.
Already lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
Three years after the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program began, it’s still in the planning phase.
Experts call for continued federal aid to state, local telemedicine services
While President Donald Trump has supported the expansion of telemedicine in the past, some experts are concerned about how he will handle the crucial health service moving forward.
4 ways to improve and accelerate broadband expansion nationwide
The federal government can streamline the funding process for its critical BEAD program.
Rural New England needs EV chargers to keep tourism revenue flowing. The Trump administration is making it harder to build them.
Compared to surrounding states, New Hampshire’s rural communities lag in charging stations, threatening the tourism sector. Suspending federal funds could make it difficult to accelerate construction.
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.
Trump administration tells states billions in EV charger money is on hold
Washington was in line to receive $71 million for chargers along I-5 and other roads. But the U.S. Department of Transportation says it will revamp the program.
A BEAD critic could end up running the internet access program
Arielle Roth, a former aide to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been tapped to head up the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. She has long been skeptical of some of the $42 billion effort’s provisions.
How better edtech management can help schools navigate new immigration rules
School officials can leverage data and technology to comply with new federal immigration rules while still protecting the civil liberties of immigrant students, according to a new policy brief.
