Policy

The young company, part of a recent gov tech accelerator, helps cities and other local governments make laws via digital tools. Now comes a new database for local ordinances that could pave the way for other services.

The state’s budget for fiscal year 2026 includes a new 3 percent taxation on information technology and data services. Officials said it aims to fill tax structure gaps as the market sees a shift from products to services.

During a recent visit to St. Vrain Valley Schools, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced a Blueprint for Advancing K-12 Quantum Information Technology, with recommendations for lawmakers, educators and district leaders.

The bill, which would have allowed traffic enforcement cameras in areas prone to crashes, was heard in the Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure in March, but it failed to get out of the committee.

Lawmakers in several states are considering bills that would give residents more control over their data. A measure under consideration in Texas would formally recognize global privacy controls.

A bill introduced to the House of Representatives this week would ban cellphones from school classrooms, with exceptions for students with disabilities or other needs, such as lack of English language proficiency.

Plus, North Carolina announces broadband funding, Barriers to Broadband fellows will tackle several research projects, a campaign eyes device upcycling to drive online access, and more.

The proposed legislation would stand up a Division of Accountability, Value and Efficiency within the state auditor’s office. It would enable the use of artificial intelligence to review agencies’ performance and staffing levels.

A bill under consideration by the state Legislature would require operators of companion chatbot platforms to remind users periodically that the virtual characters are not human, and address other safety concerns.

Bills now under consideration by lawmakers in Illinois and West Virginia would affirm the roles of existing task forces on artificial intelligence. In Alaska, a proposed law would create a joint legislative AI task force.

The Oregon House of Representatives will vote on a bill to restrict K-12 students from using cellphones between the first and last bells of the school day and spells out consequences for those who violate the rules.

With Maryland lawmakers scheduled to give final approval to a new tax on certain technology services, questions remain about how the state will implement and enforce the new policy.

A North Carolina Senate bill that would review state agency performance and staffing levels, relying in part on the use of artificial intelligence, cleared its first committee step this week.

A bill moving through Congress proposes full scholarships for two-year degrees on the condition that students work two years at the federal, state, local or tribal level after graduating.

A new report from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers highlights the large increase in the number of state CPOs. It also offers a blueprint for states or executives to create a privacy program.

Plus, New York announced $50 million for broadband infrastructure, Philadelphia has launched a tool to find free Wi-Fi in the city, federal broadband legislation has been introduced, and more.

New legislation in Alabama bans K-12 students from using portable communication devices on campus during the school day and requires that they be trained on the risks of social media.

The West Virginia House of Delegates passed the legislation at the request of Gov. Patrick Morrisey. It’s a sweeping energy bill that aims to usher in an increase of data center development.