Author Archive
Artificial Intelligence
‘No time to waste’ in prepping governments for AI cyber threats, top Dem lawmaker says
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the Department of Homeland Security to work closer with states and localities, and bemoaned the end of federal funding to an information-sharing center.
Modernization
How Broadcom’s VMware buy meant a ‘fundamental shift’ for county tech
Leaders said the 2023 acquisition has led to negative changes in licenses, pricing and support, with many now considering moving away from the longtime vendor.
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.
Modernization
Governments’ website accessibility deadline is fast approaching
It’s still unclear how the federal government will enforce the rule for larger jurisdictions under the Americans with Disabilities Act, while small jurisdictions have another year to comply.
Cybersecurity
Iran-linked hacktivists could target governments, experts warn
State and local governments and some crucial technology infrastructure are among the key retaliatory targets as hostilities escalate in the Middle East.
Digital Government
Super Bowl gears up for massive security operation
While immigration officials will reportedly not be present at the San Francisco game this weekend, a raft of federal, state and local agencies will be on site to keep the event safe from various threats.
Cybersecurity
House votes to reup cyber grant program
Lawmakers approved a measure to reauthorize the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program for 10 years. It now moves to the Senate.
Cybersecurity
Government funding deal reups cyber grant program
Lawmakers reauthorized the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program as part of the deal to reopen the federal government, but funding remains an open question.
Artificial Intelligence
Inside Virginia’s AI-driven streamlining of regulations
The effort will be led by Vulcan Technologies, a startup founded by three Ivy League graduates with big plans to expand to other states and the federal government.
Artificial Intelligence
AI moratorium could return despite removal from ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’
Senators passed an amendment removing the provision that would have prevented states regulating the tech for 10 years. But some experts warn that a repeat effort is likely and could be successful.
People
Maryland already seeing ‘big impact’ from federal DOGE cuts
Cuts thus far in 2025 are hitting as hard as two years of federal sequestration cuts a decade ago, state Comptroller Brookie Lierman said. Maryland is now looking to further diversify its economy.
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Artificial Intelligence
Senate reconciliation bill text tweaks state AI regulation ban
The Senate Commerce Committee would block some funding from states that want to regulate the technology. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers have said any moratorium should be dropped altogether.
Artificial Intelligence
House budget bill would put 10-year pause on state AI regulation
The bill before the House Energy and Commerce Committee under the budget reconciliation process would prevent states from enforcing “any law or regulation” for AI models. It may run afoul of Senate rules.
Digital Government
State-level DOGE work gathers speed
Oklahoma’s new government efficiency unit issued a report on what it has found to cut, while Iowa’s first-in-the-nation effort held its inaugural meeting. But experts say efficiency isn’t just about cutting spending.
Artificial Intelligence
Partnership for Public Service launches AI Center for Government
The good-government nonprofit said the center will focus on developing AI leaders, building talent and allowing agencies at all levels of government to share information and best practices.
Cybersecurity
What’s next for cybersecurity, election info sharing?
Federal funding has been slashed by $10 million for two information sharing centers, which both have tens of thousands of members. A more fragmented and expensive future could follow as states and others go it alone.
Acquisition
StateRAMP to rebrand later this year
The voluntary program will be rebranded as “GovRAMP” to better reflect that its offerings can be used by local governments, educational institutions and others, the organization’s executive director told Route Fifty.
Digital Government
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.
Digital Government
Feds move to make gov websites more accessible to people with disabilities
It’s the first time the federal government has ever issued rules clarifying how the more than 30-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act applies online. But the new rules come with a hefty price tag for state and local governments.
Digital Government
Supreme Court clarifies when public officials can block citizens on social media
The Supreme Court unanimously found in a pair of cases that whether a government official can block a constituent on their personal social media account hinges on if a post is a state action or is private conduct.
