Policy

As federal workers return to the office, remote work continues in some large cities. In Houston, employees were called back onsite last month; and in Texas, the matter remains a topic of discussion.

States are beginning to offer such programs in a pay-as-you-go format, as an alternative to the flat fees attached to electric vehicle and other high miles-per-gallon cars that pay little or no gas taxes.

A bill making its way through the Texas Legislature would require every school district to have a policy requiring students to keep cellphones in storage lockers throughout the school day.

The state’s AI and Analytics Center of Excellence has issued an initial report recommending ways to use the technology thoughtfully to affect policy, workforce and the economy. It also shows potential areas of impact.

A proposed state Senate bill would change the name of the Arkansas Department of Transformation and Shared Services, and compel creation of the “Safe Arkansas App.” It would also hone policy on how departments use tech resources.

Caught in data turbulence, local and state government must adapt to changes in federal transparency — or face data bias. A new landscape raises questions about the future of open data and evidence-based policymaking.

The Federal Highway Administration has announced plans to issue new guidance around the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. For now, the move halts aspects of the initiative.

Some studies have been quashed and others already underway could be in jeopardy. Nationwide health data sets also disappeared from the web pages of the U.S. CDC, with some reappearing with missing information.

A Colorado law guarding against such bills includes an exception for public-owned ambulances, which can bill patients for whatever their insurance didn’t pay, a practice known as balance billing.

Minnesota lawmakers are under pressure to extend tax breaks for data centers as advocates say that the emerging industry is poised to grow explosively in the state.

Plus, Elon Musk has made a cryptic statement about the future of GSA’s 18F team and the Direct File program, Maryland has established a statewide digital infrastructure group, and more.

The state has been successful at reducing its cyber vulnerabilities by nearly 50 percent in the last year, its CISO said, as it undertakes a statewide strategy to grow a cybersecurity culture.

The Texas Cyber Command would work closely with state agencies, universities and Regional Security Operation Centers to improve cybersecurity. Gov. Greg Abbott announced it during his State of the State address Sunday.

Derek Williams was elevated to state CIO last year after having served as deputy CIO since late 2022. He is a veteran Louisiana technologist, and has been with the Office of Technology Services since its creation.

As tech positions go unfilled across public-sector organizations, recruiting experts recommend lowering the hurdles. Suggested strategies include clarifying job descriptions and tailoring hiring processes.

Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a ban prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence and social media apps associated with the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, on government-issued electronic tools.

A new report from the Consortium for School Networking examines the wave of cybersecurity laws passed last year and how they relate to schools. It also makes policy recommendations for state and local education leaders.

While Spotsylvania County has already approved various data center developments, staff and the Board of Supervisors are still trying to hammer out regulations on the exploding industry.