Author Archive

Sarah Breitenbach

Sarah Breitenbach is a reporter for Stateline.org.
Digital Government

How mapping disasters can help devastated communities rally

Mapping software can help officials make decisions about debris cleanup, the construction of temporary housing and the rebuilding of homes.

Management

Cities, states plod toward 'Next Generation 911'

States and cities must exchange their traditional emergency phone systems for Internet Protocol networks, which can send digital voice, photo and video information over the internet.

Management

States race to protect student data

With few protections on the privacy of student data, states have been scrambling to regulate how it is collected and stored.

Emerging Tech

As driverless cars hit the streets, states weigh new rules

In the absence of state and federal guidelines on testing and developing the vehicles, some cities are welcoming the cars.

Cybersecurity

Protecting the youngest victims of identity theft

Some states make it impossible to use a child’s Social Security number and other identifying information to establish credit, and in Utah parents can have their child’s identifying information monitored by the state.

Management

States grapple with public disclosure of police body-camera footage

As police departments equip their officers with body cameras, many are struggling to strike a balance between the public’s right to know and privacy protections.

Emerging Tech

States rush to regulate drones ahead of federal guidelines

In the absence of federal regulations, states are eager to regulate unmanned aerial vehicles, but advocates for the technology say legislatures are overstepping their authority and hamstringing an industry ripe for growth.

Cybersecurity

States at odds with feds on data breach proposals

While Congress hashes out a federal standard for data breach notifications, many states are toughening their own reporting laws.