Alabama

An informative event last week hosted attendees from law enforcement, the judicial system, private businesses and educational institutions such as Troy University, Wallace Community College and local high schools.

New legislation in Alabama bans K-12 students from using portable communication devices on campus during the school day and requires that they be trained on the risks of social media.

Legislation active in each state focuses on the functions of IT agencies. One such bill would replace Florida Digital Service, while Alabama representatives may add cybersecurity to the Office of Information Technology’s duties.

Alabama and Oklahoma are the latest states to block AI tools with overseas ties from being used on government devices. Concerns include a lack of security as well as data collection and storage practices.

Gov. Kay Ivey released the group’s final report on GenAI use in state agencies. It recommends a standardized framework, stronger oversight and training to guide the responsible use of the technology.

Police officials say modern tech like license plate readers placed throughout their cities has been instrumental in aiding patrol officers in locating stolen vehicles, wanted suspects and missing people.

The Alabama State Department of Education and the nonprofit Be Pro Be Proud launched a mobile workforce development tour, bringing virtual and augmented reality job site simulations to students throughout the state.

Mayor Randall Woodfin writes about how collaboration between cities helped shape the Birmingham Talks program, which was inspired by work in other cities that used tech to help children with language.

Two area law enforcement agencies recently received grants that will allow one agency to beef up security at its county courthouse and the other to help traumatized officers.

A two-part grant is helping local hazardous materials planners in Alabama prepare for disaster, doing so by awarding a mix of state and federal funding.

A bill introduced by Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Jefferson County, would require the Alabama Department of Education and local districts to adopt a policy for the 2026-27 school year restricting cellphone use during the day.

Work is set to commence this month on the fourth phase of the Robotics Technology Park, run by state agency Alabama Industrial Development and Training. It will focus on building and working with electric vehicles. Opening is expected in spring 2026.

A fatal traffic collision in Mobile has revived a long-running conversation about red-light cameras, but city and state officials have often disagreed about their accuracy and effectiveness.

A Huntsville research center’s share of a National Science Foundation grant will bring chances for high-tech hands-on learning to middle and high school students enrolled in that area.

Several K-12 school districts across Alabama are installing metal detectors, X-ray machines and other weapons-detection systems, as well as employing more school resource officers on campus.

Louisiana's top election official announced Wednesday that the state has entered into a data-sharing agreement with Alabama meant to "ensure the further accuracy of their voter registration lists."

Officials are investigating a cyber attack on the Alabama State Department of Education and warning students and employees to monitor their credit in case their data was compromised.

Plus, the USDA is providing $25 million for rural broadband; Pennsylvania offers $20 million worth of devices; Raleigh, N.C., gets a state grant; and more.