State and Federal Relations
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.
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.
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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.
Federal tech grant recipients sweat future amid ongoing uncertainty
The federal Office of Management and Budget’s memo pausing grants caused massive uncertainty, including for technology efforts reliant on the money. Recipients say their work will continue, but be harder, without federal help.
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.
States urge Supreme Court to save affordable internet access program
States are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to save a program designed to make telephone service and internet access affordable for low-income, rural and tribal residents.
How govs can strengthen their cyber staff in the new year
Budgetary and staffing challenges are likely to follow state and local governments into 2025, but experts say agencies’ progress toward addressing those obstacles will prevail too.
SNAP theft reimbursements could end for many without congressional action by Friday
Senators are also urging the Agriculture Department to speed up its rulemaking around card security that could help prevent the problem.
Trump wants even looser AI guardrails. Why California, despite passing over 20 AI bills this year, might not push back
President-elect Trump has vowed to rescind an executive order that imposed AI safeguards, and could use tech to enable mass deportations. How far will California go in the other direction?
Over half of states restrict gender-affirming care. Could the Supreme Court change that?
The high court’s ruling on gender-affirming care could also impact other laws affecting transgender people, like rules for sports and bathrooms, one expert says.
