Policy

Federal climate policy focused on areas like renewable energy and energy efficiency could bring 5,200 jobs to rural Kansas, according to research. Rural America in general would benefit from such policy.

Given a massive influx of state and federal money, school districts are trying to decide which technology initiatives should take priority, and which investments are worthwhile and sustainable in the long run.

A new law requires all officers to wear cameras, along with related employees, such as Department of Correction probation officers and investigators in the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed Department of Human Services Director Christopher Bramwell as the state’s first Department of Government Operations privacy officer. He will focus on protecting residents’ personal data.

To increase Indiana’s cybersecurity stance, a recently enacted bill will require state agencies and political subdivisions to report all threats to the state’s Office of Technology within two business days.

Besides addressing food insecurity and mental health resources, Colorado State University’s commitment to spend $8.58 million over three years includes building fiber networks and promoting technologically advanced jobs.

Recently signed legislation will ramp up the state’s cybersecurity and legacy system upgrades through the newly created Technology Improvement and Modernization Fund. The new law takes effect Sept. 1.

A Drexel University professor and other experts have raised doubts about the safety and efficacy of air purifiers that the School District of Philadelphia was planning to install in over 200 buildings.

Last week, the Ohio House of Representatives introduced a bill that would give Ohioans data privacy rights. Lawmakers point out, however, that another bill is needed to deflect future cyber attacks.

Various civil rights organizations, including Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League, are asking the Democrat-controlled White House and Congress to put an end to hate speech and misinformation on social media.

Bolstered by emergency federal funding, Chicago Public Schools is set to adopt an annual budget that would upgrade mechanical systems to improve air quality, start new STEM curriculums and pay down the district's debt.

The federal government recently approved an idea from Amazon to track people's sleep patterns through new technology. Experts warn that Amazon is taking a creepy step into American bedrooms with this approach.

Yesterday, the California Public Utilities Commission and Uber submitted a $9 million settlement to resolve a dispute about whether the company should share data on riders and drivers who were sexually assaulted.

A New Jersey state lawmaker has proposed the creation of an "innovation partnership" to help fund emerging tech companies within the state. The effort is being pitched as a way to renew the state's innovative roots.

The ability to verify online that someone is who they say they are is critical for an increasingly digital world. While a federal solution would be ideal, state-issued digital licenses are a move in the right direction.

A recent EdWeek Research Center survey of 760 teachers and administrators revealed almost half had urgent concerns about their facilities, and 90 percent either somewhat or strongly supported federal investment.

Now that fully vaccinated individuals can meet indoors without wearing masks, will state legislative sessions continue to meet online? Or will lawmakers go back to meeting in person?

California’s annual budget will help fund the community college district’s new performing arts venue as well as a workforce training center for students in automotive repair, truck technology, machining and other fields.