Policy

A community north of Ann Arbor has begun working on establishing local regulations for data centers after grappling with a controversial proposal for a massive data center campus.

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ list reflects pressure on states to manage cyber risk, modernize systems and implement AI responsibly — with federal partnership playing a central role.

A proposed bill to prohibit Hawaii students from using phones during the school day has been divisive among parents and teachers, with delegates at the Hawai ‘i State Teachers Association split almost down the middle.

Attorney General Dana Nessel is renewing her call for Michigan to pass a law requiring companies to immediately report data breaches to her office, which would allow for quickly alerting the public.

If the measure is placed on the ballot and voters OK it, it would require companies to adopt a set of requirements aimed at protecting minors from potentially harmful effects associated with AI use.

The impending departures on the same day in March, of Alameda County’s CIO and assistant CIO, will close a chapter in the local government’s technology history. Both have been in place since 2012.

A recently unveiled policy from Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce contains few specifics and no learning standards for AI. Lawmakers say they intend to revise it in the future.

A state lawmaker wants to put at least a three-year pause on development of data centers, which have been topics of heated debate recently in several communities across Oklahoma.

Plus, federal legislation supporting rural Internet access gets introduced, Utah’s legislature will consider a law establishing digital literacy education, Texas is investing millions in broadband expansion, and more.

The bill would prevent “economic prejudice” by prohibiting surveillance pricing in grocery stores, banning surge pricing on essential goods and pausing the rollout of electronic shelf labels.

State lawmakers are concerned about how information from the cameras can be used. A bill, however, has received pushback from law enforcement. To date, at least 16 states have created such rules or guidelines.

The new plan reflects a move from piloting emerging technology to operationalizing AI. The department has done more than a dozen AI projects and is actively developing upwards of 20 others.

Developing policies to establish phone-free schools and a playbook for artificial intelligence, including curriculum, rules and professional learning, are among Connecticut's legislative priorities for 2026.

Proposed bills in the Kansas House and Senate share a common goal, but they differ in ways that could affect how districts implement the rules, including how the school day is defined and how devices would be stored.

All e-bikes must be registered and insured, whether they are low-speed e-bikes that require pedaling and can't exceed 20 miles per hour, or they are motorized bicycles that reach 28 miles per hour.

A new statewide strategy maps out how AI could reshape careers, classrooms, energy infrastructure and government operations — if its recommendations are done carefully. Education is a key starting point.

A Missouri bill would enable self-driving taxis but it would open roads to autonomous semitrucks, prompting pushback from commercial drivers. Supporters include disability rights advocates.

Officials at the capital city this week approved a one-year moratorium on data center development. The suspension will provide time to review potential impacts and guide responsible development.