State Government

State CIO Amaya Capellán and Chief Technology Officer R. Brian Andrews have both departed state government. It’s essential, Capellán said recently, “to deliver for our workforce and make sure they are equipped.”

Maryland’s General Assembly is set to consider bills concerning the misuse of AI in various industries, its application in schools, the potential invasion of consumer privacy and the spread of misinformation.

The endeavor is intended to train thousands of staffers on AI fundamentals using real-world applications, through a collaboration with InnovateUS. Other state and local governments are engaged in similar training.

The Pennsylvania Office of Administration’s Language Access Management Program is working to ensure government services are accessible to all residents, regardless of the language they speak.

Burris announced her departure this week after nearly a decade at the state IT department, where she helped strengthen data governance and AI readiness. She was named chief data officer in January 2024.

The debut of the agency’s online presence is expected to be followed by the activation of three core technical units including cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics. Leaders are also recruiting for key positions.

The state will partner with SkyfireAI and CAL Analytics on a two-year pilot program to develop policies and training around the use of drones by first responders, and to assess how they can improve situational awareness.

Chief Information Security Officer Shawn Ivy said that his state maintains a self-reliant framework through dedicated funding, layered defenses and deliberate preparation for emerging technologies.

Connecting the West is an initiative being led by transportation departments in the three states, to form a 1,200-mile network across their terrain. Technology interoperability is key, an official said.

The online arm of Colorado State University has teamed up with the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers to train more broadband infrastructure professionals, aiming to bridge the digital divide in the state.

Broadband consultants reflect on the current state of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, while officials in two states report on their progress in rolling out high-speed Internet.

The Cyber Maryland investment aims to support organizations that invest in workforce development via the Cyber and AI Clinic, which will train residents for careers in this field and offer security services.

Pennsylvania only renews charters of cyber schools that agree to enrollment caps, but those schools can continue to operate without a charter. Some cyber leaders say this approach gives those schools more freedom to grow.

The companies Skydio and Levatas are providing tech for staff at the Red Rock Correctional Center, where AI-enhanced drones will soon look for contraband and other things not allowed in the prison yard.

Work for America and its Civic Match job platform near the one-year mark with 11,000 job seekers and partnerships across states and cities.

Greenwich school leaders are notifying families, particularly of middle school students, that a new law went into effect in Connecticut this week requiring an operator's license to ride e-bikes and e-scooters.

A new report from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers examines the role of state chief data officer with perspective from 27 people occupying that position, on everything from experience to funding.

From AI dashboards to predictive models, the state Department of Transportation is creating a pathway toward tech-driven management of its bridges, with the help of a familiar private-sector partner.