Massachusetts

Massachusetts has appointed Ashley Bloom as the state’s new chief IT accessibility officer, a role in which she will be responsible for improving the accessibility of the state’s digital services.

The bill as currently written would maintain funding for tech modernization and single sign-on projects while also putting aside money for potential AI work in the future.

Thanks to a drone waiver granted by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division is able to more nimbly keep track of the state's entire rail network.

A new report has found that Massachusetts has some key strengths — especially related to research — but could benefit from a clear quantum strategy and efforts to bring stakeholders together in collaboration.

The MassHire board identified transportation as the No. 1 barrier to employment in its region, and the pilot provides low-cost, point-to-point, microtransit options to employees at a $2-per-ride price.

Massachusetts demolished its staffed toll plazas in 2016, replacing them with electronic tolling arches, where cameras read license plates as vehicles speed by and drivers are automatically billed.

The state security operations center will now assist municipalities during cyber incidents. The state is also expanding its SOC/Range Initiative to give higher ed students hands-on experience defending local government.

After discovering 250 cases in which the state police allegedly used covert surveillance tech without turning over the evidence, the Committee for Public Counsel Services is urging public defenders to start an inquiry.

The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General issued guidance advising schools to be cautious about adopting new building technologies after malware and other technical issues rendered a lighting system at Minnechaug Regional High School inoperable.

The Department of Defense awarded funding to support the creation of a proposed Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub. The hub is expected to bring new investments, jobs and training opportunities.

Plus, a new module is added to the Broadband Infrastructure Playbook, Virginia is the latest state to release its five-year broadband action plan, and more.

Plus, a cross-agency partnership in New Jersey is working to get more residents enrolled in affordable broadband programs, North Carolina is looking for participation in digital equity services, and more.

Today, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order to establish a chief IT accessibility officer role to improve the accessibility of the state’s digital services for people with disabilities.

The state of Massachusetts has announced the launch of a new interactive, online map in an effort to help state agencies, localities and contractors identify certified diverse business partners.

Plus, one Florida city is launching a new digital navigators program; Nebraska names a new state broadband director; a Texas city is launching a digital inclusion art contest for students; and more.

A new report ranks states for their transition to electric vehicles. California leads the list, followed by New York, largely because of the Empire State’s robust plans to transition all of its school buses to zero-emission vehicles.

John Petrozzelli takes over after Stephanie Helm stepped down from the director position in January. He brings cybersecurity experience from his time in the Air Force, FBI and private sector.

As the tech world continues to buzz about the potential of generative artificial intelligence tools, Massachusetts CIO Jason Snyder describes what may be one of the technology’s first uses in state government.