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Brian Heaton

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

Oklahoma Lawmaker Wants to Quell Big Brother Fears with Open Data

In an exclusive Q&A with Government Technology, Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, talks candidly about legislative efforts to use technology to improve open government and maintain high IT security standards.

June 16, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Feds Prepare to Make More Health Data Public

U.S. Senators are seeking tips from a variety of medical and insurance groups about how to make health data easier to use.

June 13, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Government Experience

Long Island Town Puts Brakes on Social Media

Oyster Bay, N.Y. officials restrict what information employees and vendors can release without official consent, and legal experts say it's a good move.

June 12, 2014
· Brian Heaton
NYC Council Members Want Better Access to City Laws

New legislation would post an easily searchable, certified and updated copy of Gotham’s laws online, potentially reducing reliance on subscription-based research sites.

June 11, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Cloud & Computing

Will New York City Embrace Open Source Code?

A new proposal by Council Member Benjamin Kallos would require city agencies consider open source software for projects, and establish a code-sharing portal for the city.

June 06, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Nebraska Senator Aims to Break Down Siloes, Open Up Data

While cognizant of many national technology issues, such as drones and security, Nebraska Sen. Dan Watermeier believes the Cornhusker State needs to concentrate on the basics, like GIS data collection and information-sharing.

June 05, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Tucson, Ariz., Police Will Collect Data on Immigration Calls

The Tucson PD is designing a database to collect information on the calls it makes to immigration authorities.

June 04, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Oregon Considers Digital Privacy Legislation Package for 2015

Legislators in Oregon are looking at introducing five bills that focus on digital privacy next year.

May 30, 2014
· Brian Heaton
California Moves to Block Illegal Data-Gathering

The Golden State may restrict state cooperation with federal agencies seeking data without a valid warrant.

May 29, 2014
· Brian Heaton
Justice & Public Safety

U.S. Supreme Court to Decide Key Cell Tower Siting Case

The nation’s top judiciary body will decide how thorough local governments need to be when informing telecommunications providers that their cell tower permit applications have been denied.

May 28, 2014
· Brian Heaton