State Government

A group of 20 California state lawmakers sent a letter before the executive order was signed, asking their congressional counterparts to push back against pre-emption or other efforts to limit flexibility.

The new executive will lead the state’s artificial intelligence and machine learning strategy as the Department of Innovation and Technology builds out a formal AI office.

The document emphasizes governance, risk assessment and safety principles to protect operational technology as AI adoption grows. Understanding security concerns during development is one recommendation.

State CIO Bryanna Pardoe was previously the inaugural director of the state’s digital experience office. That work is shaping her approach to leading state IT and driving human-centered design.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order seeking to limit states’ abilities to enact AI-related policy that could be deemed “burdensome.” Experts argue the action is illegal.

The state Department of Administration is considering adding agentic AI modules in the myAlaska app, which residents use for a variety of key services. A recent request for information sought industry input.

Holly Drake, the state chief information security officer, will join the University of Central Florida as its CISO. She was recognized for her work this fall by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers.

The state legislation would allow the inmates to get remote employment with approved businesses and companies that choose to participate in the yet-unnamed program.

Data center development, the subject of much public-sector conversation and policy, is predicted to expand, driven by the growth of AI. It's also expected to come at a cost and bring a selective benefit.

A presidential executive order on AI could challenge a number of laws already in play. One in California, state Senate Bill 53, set safety disclosure requirements for companies operating AI models.

The Teradyne plant in Wixom is expected to house manufacturing for Universal Robots’ collaborative robots. It will serve as the company’s new U.S. Operations Hub, with support from a $2.7 million grant.

The Indiana Secretary of State’s Office has launched a modernized Notary Education Learning Management System, to improve training and compliance for all notaries. It could serve as a model for other updates.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has introduced two new pieces of legislation: one to protect consumers from the costs of AI data centers and one that would establish an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights.

A new policy guide from the nonprofit Public Citizen is intended to support the public sector with concrete recommendations on transparent data center projects that are respectful to residents.

It’s not whether there will be one, state Comptroller Sean Scanlon said, but what the fallout will be “when it does pop.” Officials project a $164 million general fund budget surplus for the current fiscal year.

The state will join others in establishing a C-level artificial intelligence leadership role, as officials look to expand the use of AI tools under clear governance expectations, while ensuring that work follows state priorities.

The federal measure, which has been referred to committee, would continue the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program that has supported state, local, tribal and territorial governments since 2022.

The U.S. Digital Response, a civic tech organization, has announced the recipients of its 2025 Digital Service Champions Awards, which honor state and local government modernization efforts.