State Government

Longtime executive Ted Cotterill has stepped down as state chief privacy officer and general counsel to the Management Performance Hub. He helped shape the legislation that codified MPH in state law in 2017.

In the absence of comprehensive federal legislation on artificial intelligence, states have taken policymaking into their own hands, leading to a varied legislative landscape. Doing so, however, can clarify the rules of the road.

The agency, which oversees permits to hunt and fish in the state, was hit with an attack Friday and has activated its Incident Response Team. Cybersecurity units are continuing to investigate activity on a data server.

The state Department of Motor Vehicles announced availability of the digital driver’s license, learner permit or ID in June 2024. It is accepted at a growing number of businesses and airports in New York and nationally.

The director of the state Department of Tax and Fee Administration is stepping in for Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong. The former state CIO will continue to lead on efforts around innovation and efficiency.

State officials are investigating the electronic theft of more than $10,000 in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from at least 71 Meadville residents. Precisely how the incidents occurred is unclear.

A new report by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers and U.S. Digital Response outlines how public-sector agencies can improve their requests for proposals — and get more suitable responses.

New York’s CIO says the agreement will help boost security and data analytics while also encouraging more data sharing among agencies. Artificial intelligence also is part of this two-year effort.

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would compel social media companies to change how their platforms are designed, to keep children from harm. It would require features to mitigate compulsive use, deceptive marketing and other practices.

State officials have made several changes to the IT procurement process in an effort to expand public-private partnership opportunities, increase efficiency for businesses, and save taxpayers money.

Lawmakers in Arkansas and Missouri are considering legislation that would bolster cyber reporting and data privacy standards for businesses; and, in Texas, tighten cybersecurity standards for water utilities.

Created by gubernatorial executive order, the state’s new Department of Governmental Efficiency team will work to “promote efficiency, maximize productivity and eliminate waste in state and local government.”

From working to improve the citizen experience to advancing artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, Utah’s tech leader is focused on the value of investing in the “human capital” of the state workforce.

The state has rolled out access to real-time aerial surveillance technology to all Ohio law enforcement agencies. The technology includes live video feeds and infrared capabilities, and could transform suspect searches.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fiscal year 2026 proposed budget recommendations include funding for state IT projects across criminal justice. Initiatives include hardening security, replacing infrastructure and a platform upgrade.

Watchdogs and regulators are concerned new data centers could weigh heavily on residents’ power bills without proper curbs. One utility’s request to tweak an electric rate comes in part to confront those concerns.

Cuts to CISA and the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force have secretaries of state and municipal clerks worried about the security of voter registration databases and other critical election systems.

From Oklahoma to Mississippi to New Hampshire, nearly a dozen states are putting their imprint on the government efficiency movement in the form of committees and task forces, looking to improve operations.