Policy

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is expected to sign legislation requiring elementary schools to prohibit students from accessing social media during the day and to prioritize teacher-led instruction over electronic materials.

Plus, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance offers digital inclusion programming guidance amid mass enforcement actions, a report reveals consumer cost concerns, millions of seniors lack service, and more.

The document outlining the Trump administration’s approach to AI signals less regulation and more innovation. To plan for it, state and local governments must understand what it includes — and what it omits.

Born from the chaos of 9/11, FirstNet provides a mobile phone network designed for public safety professionals. The new deal comes as the U.S. Congress considers a 10-year reauthorization of FirstNet.

The governor has now signed the law, which bars the federal government and agencies outside of Washington from accessing data generated by the cameras that are owned by public agencies in the state.

Wary of adopting too many AI tools too quickly, some K-12 leaders are moving toward more structured governance models, forcing school systems to rethink how decisions are made, who is involved and how risk is managed.

The city now requires electronic requests be made via its online portal, mandates a deposit for large requests and has updated its fees. The moves are intended to smooth the process and recoup actual costs.

Proposed legislation would build on an existing bill that limits screen time for kids ages 2-5, creating an Elementary Technology Task Force to develop, and annually review, standards for screen-based instruction.

From building AI tools to running everyday operations, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers finds CIO and accessibility officer collaboration are key to inclusive, efficient digital services.

Plus, North Carolina is investing millions in broadband, legislation has advanced in U.S. Congress to assess satellite broadband in the Appalachian region, AI is impacting wireless network demand, and more.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who took office in January, wants more public safety tools to protect stops and stations, and a better user experience. She has ordered officials to come up with a plan.

At least 130 education bills were introduced this session, including one to restrict student use of personal electronic devices, and one requiring the state to develop guidance and best practices for AI use.

Making sure that regular utility customers don’t get stuck bearing the burden of paying to run data centers is a main goal as state regulators consider the impacts of the energy-intensive facilities.

Members of the House passed a bill requiring data centers to pay for increased costs associated with their energy demands. The proposed legislation now heads to the state Senate.

Officials say a new Kansas law is drawing data centers to the state as details emerge about a possible new hyperscale campus in Leavenworth County in the broader Kansas City area.

Officials in Weld County, Colo., will consider code amendments that would allow data centers in industrially zoned areas. Interest could provide an “economic opportunity,” a commissioner said.

The third part of the district's five-year, $609 million bond proposal would pay for devices and network and software investments, including money for cybersecurity supports and testing.

The Trump administration has released its national legislative framework for AI technology. If enacted, it could pre-empt state regulations in certain areas but maintain some authority elsewhere.