California

Using artificial intelligence from a value-based perspective was a major theme during the 2024 Code for America annual summit. The organization also announced its new AI Studio.

Lawmakers in California have proposed legislation on everything from deepfakes to data transparency to large system safeguards. The big question: which bills could pass?

Tech leaders are being deliberate about the adoption of generative artificial intelligence and “trying to not follow the rush,” Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong told a state commission.

Social media platforms may be held financially liable for harm caused to California’s minors if a court finds that they knowingly offered products or design features that resulted in harm to minors.

Two bills related to artificial intelligence governance were passed in the California state Senate on Thursday with unanimous support. Now, Senate bills 892 and 893 will head to the Assembly.

State officials have for years continually given residents more time to get Real ID-enabled driver’s licenses and identification cards. But the current deadline to do so of May 7, 2025, seems to be holding fast.

State data released one year after the launch of California vs. Hate, the hotline and online portal for reporting hate crimes and incidents, shows its impact. People statewide reported more than 1,000 acts of hate.

A new claims portal is in place and call center upgrades are ongoing as state officials make large-scale changes to the technology behind Employment Development Department services. Next up: an RFP to replace the mainframe.

In the May revision of his proposed 2024-2025 fiscal year state budget, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for $2 billion in cuts to rolling out high-speed Internet. It’s possible, he said, “to actually achieve similar goals at a lower cost.”

Following a gubernatorial executive order on generative artificial intelligence and new guidelines in March, the state will work with five technology companies to “test, iterate, and evaluate” GenAI and create proofs of concept.

Officials have earmarked or allocated $3 billion in funding to build 2,664 miles of network infrastructure, and nearly 4,000 miles has been leased or purchased. This puts aspects of the project more than a year ahead of targets.

California launched two apps at the start of the year offering free behavioral health services to youths to help them cope with everything from living with anxiety to body acceptance.

Pano AI’s CEO discusses how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing wildfire detection and response by helping agencies optimize resource allocation and protect lives through smarter firefighting tactics.

CIO, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

As governments grapple with how to roll out generative AI — or whether they even should — policies in Seattle, New Jersey and California aim to to be broad, easy to understand and relevant in the face of change.

The country’s first commercial hydrogen fuel station for big-rig trucks is up and running at the Port of Oakland, a step toward what hydrogen proponents see as a clean new future for long-haul trucking.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday on an early action budget null among legislative leaders that will cut the shortfall by about $17.3 billion — and return millions for tech to the general fund.

Plans by SpaceX and others to boost the number of rocket launches seen streaking across San Diego County's skies have prompted the California Coastal Commission to question the environmental effects.