Public Safety
Virginia governor signs rideshare safety bills tightening driver-checks, in-app protections
The new laws require stronger identity verification, expanded background screenings and optional audio, video recording during rides.
Management
Michigan Senate passes ‘Kids Over Clicks’ bill targeting social media addiction, online exploitation
State lawmakers brought new changes for the ways in which Big Tech companies are held accountable for unethical practices that leave children and teenagers vulnerable to the perils of social media.
Emerging Tech
With driverless cars a reality, what can cities do to prepare for them?
Speakers at the Google Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas last week said the shift from pilot programs to implementation has accelerated in the last year, and will keep doing so.
Sponsor Content
Closing the Service Gap in State and Local Government
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Artificial Intelligence
How libraries can help the public engage with AI and their local government
With a better understanding of the technology, residents could be more trusting of and engaged with government’s use of AI.
Artificial Intelligence
Government leaders see ‘momentum’ in agencies’ AI adoption
Speakers at the Google Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas last week said the shift from pilot programs to implementation has accelerated in the last year, and will keep doing so.
Artificial Intelligence
Minnesota passes the nation’s first ban on ‘nudification’ apps
The apps are one of the major ways nonconsensual AI deepfakes can be made without any technical expertise — including by kids.
Digital Government
Rural-focused $42B Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program becomes operational
Early signs of a massive federal broadband expansion effort are beginning to reach local communities.
Workforce
New report aims to help states define the chief data officer role
The findings are intended to provide state leaders with the successes and limitations learned from other states’ efforts to establish the position.
Digital Government
Congress tries again on national preemptive data privacy law
House Republican leaders unveiled two new bills last week in the latest federal attempt to regulate data privacy, preempting states’ existing laws.
Management
An Illinois governor-backed bill to restrict school cell phone use gains momentum
One of the state’s teachers unions has raised concerns about the costs of implementing the proposal to restrict cell phone use by children.
Featured eBooks
Artificial Intelligence
Florida Speaker kills DeSantis’ AI regulation, vaccine repeal bills on first day of special session
In social media posts, DeSantis accused House Republicans of catering to the “Big Tech cartel” and “the medical industrial complex” for killing his bills.
Sponsor Content
State & Local Government: Building Resilient Communities Through Smarter Energy Infrastructure
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People
Chattanooga’s ‘tech guy’ mayor reflects on embrace of AI, quantum
The Tennessee city has long been a leader in innovation, and Tim Kelly said there is more to come in the Gig City as it looks to “level up.”
Management
Pennsylvania has spent $1.4 million updating its voter registration system — but won’t provide progress reports
The state embarked on a project to update the antiquated SURE system last year. Officials hope to have the new version ready by 2027.
Digital Government
US Supreme Court weighs how far police investigations can go in using cellphone location data
31 states and DC argue that geofence warrants can be more precise than many traditional investigative methods.
Artificial Intelligence
Lawmakers introduce consolidated AI bill package
The American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Act takes provisions from previous bills and the 2024 Bipartisan AI Task Force report to move forward AI policies with support from both sides of the aisle.
Artificial Intelligence
California’s health insurance marketplace further expands AI for document verification
Covered California said the tech will now be used for more than two dozen document types to speed up checking eligibility while reducing fraud, waste and abuse at the same time.
Management
Rural Hoosiers lean on the law to fight drones
Farmers fearful that drones might be spreading disease among livestock recently persuaded the Indiana General Assembly to pass a law that prohibits the devices from being used to harm or harass farm animals.
Artificial Intelligence
Maine governor vetoes landmark data center ban
Janet Mills said the moratorium bill, which would have banned data centers larger than 20 megawatts until Nov. 2027, did not take into account a popular local project.
Digital Government
Why California's data broker registry matters more than its delete button
COMMENTARY | The state’s Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform is not a complete solution, but nor is it a token gesture. Its true extent will become apparent.
