California

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.

The California Health and Human Services Agency’s new IT and Data Strategic Plan underscores a resident-centric, integrated approach to services. It highlights the crucial role of IT professionals in advancing digital equity.

An updated ordinance designed to promote safer electric bicycle usage in Santa Cruz County was delayed this week as county leaders there kicked the tires and double-checked for leaks.

The group seeks to create guardrails against potential threats posed by AI — like election interference and intellectual property theft — while ensuring the U.S. remains the leader of this evolving technology.

Despite massive gains in broadband Internet connectivity over the course of recent decades, a lack of broadband infrastructure continues to persist for many Californians.

Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are fertile ground for state lawmakers this session. Bills they also propose include making a joint risk analysis of generative AI and changes to the California Cybersecurity Maturity Metric.