IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Brian Heaton

Brian Heaton was a writer for Government Technology and Emergency Management magazines from 2011 to mid-2015.

Cybersecurity

California Close to Mandating Smartphone Kill Switches

The California Assembly approved legislation requiring new smartphones to have a kill switch.

August 08, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Budget & Finance

Federal IT Purchasing Reform Is Unlikely This Year

Budget negotiations will dominate what little time Congress spends in session the rest of this year, pushing procurement reform to 2015 or later.

August 07, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Transportation

California Bill Takes Aim at Wealthy Electric Car Buyers

Senate Bill 1275 puts an income eligibility restriction on the Golden State’s clean-vehicle rebates.

August 07, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Justice & Public Safety

Sacramento County, Calif., Admits Use of Surveillance Tech

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department has been using surveillance devices to collect cellphone location data.

August 01, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Bill Clears U.S. House of Representatives

A federal measure charges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with developing a comprehensive preparation and response plan to address cyber-threats.

August 01, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Budget & Finance

States Introducing Virtual Currency Regulations

In July, New York released a draft proposal to govern virtual currencies -- and California isn’t far behind.

July 31, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Transportation

Ride-Sharing Companies Should Accept Taxicab Status (Opinion)

Transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft need to admit that peer-to-peer rides are commercial transportation services and submit to existing regulatory demands.

July 30, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Justice & Public Safety

Will Pennsylvania Regulate Drones Used for Hunting?

State lawmakers are considering a ban on aerial drones that aid hunters in their pursuit of game.

July 29, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Broadband & Network

Cities Petition FCC to Remove State Barriers to Broadband Competition

Wilson, N.C., and Chattanooga, Tenn., want the FCC to axe restrictions on expanding municipal broadband networks.

July 24, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Transportation

Cities Grapple with Regulatory Status of Ride-Sharing Companies

Uber, Lyft and Sidecar have given people more transportation options, but municipalities are struggling with whether smartphone-based ride-sharing should be regulated the same as taxicabs and limousines.

July 23, 2014
· Brian Heaton