New Jersey

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a one-month ban on unmanned aerial vehicles flying over parts of about two dozen towns and cities in New Jersey.

The FBI says more than 5,000 drone sightings that the bureau investigated in New Jersey ended up being small planes, hobbyist drones, helicopters, stars or law enforcement aircraft.

The state’s unemployment office reports significant benefits from the new technology, which officials said could help government agencies in and outside the state avoid long-term contracts with vendors.

Created by Gov. Phil Murphy in October 2023, the group wrapped up last month by issuing a required report with recommendations. It could be re-formed if needed, but the state’s work in artificial intelligence continues.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka named his fourth public safety director in eight years, choosing a longtime city police officer and chief to replace an outsider who resigned last week two years after being hired.

Jersey City on Monday became the latest municipality to join a state program that pairs mental health professionals with police officers responding to 911 calls involving emotionally disturbed persons.

Plus, a new apprenticeship program will help bolster the broadband workforce, survivors of domestic violence can access support through the Lifeline program, and more.

A handful of districts are piloting the Transportant system and its Bus Compass app, allowing drivers to assign seats, and giving administrators tracking capabilities and a live feed of what’s happening on buses.

Burlington County, N.J., election officials are providing voters with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the county’s new voting machines prior to the 2024 general election.

The state’s new Disability Information Hub offers information about state programs, resources and assistance for people with disabilities. Their input helped guide its development and design.

The state announced the release earlier this month of a course on using generative artificial intelligence, for public-sector staffers in New Jersey and elsewhere. More coursework is coming later this summer.

Officials in Middletown, N.J., have proposed a policy banning smartphone use in classrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms and most spaces outside of high school free periods, as a statewide ban is discussed.

The agency received a $99.49 million grant to upgrade its Meadowlands Bus Garage. It will enable the 30-year-old facility to house, charge, and maintain electric buses, and increase service.

The state has been an early adopter of artificial intelligence, and is now equipping staff with the skills and knowledge they need to leverage AI securely. Training is free and voluntary.

Cities are no longer seeing their miles of streetscape as cheap parking spaces. Curbs are now considered some of the most in-demand pieces of urban real estate, and technology is stepping up to help manage them.

To build an ethical framework for AI in state government, New Jersey is surveying its employees to engage them in the process of creating a system that uses AI to enhance services and empower workers.

The Borough of Prospect Park has deployed a tool from gov tech startup Polimorphic to respond to incoming telephone calls. The artificial intelligence is helping a small staff connect with residents despite a reduced work week.

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.