State Government

The Freestate Middle Mile Network ultimately will deploy 682 miles of fiber with funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. A goal is for Kansas to be among the top 10 states for broadband access by 2030.

Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill formally creating the Texas Cyber Command at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The bill also calls for creating a digital forensics lab and a cyber threat intelligence center.

Among its requirements, the sixth statewide election security directive from Secretary of State Frank LaRose calls for monthly cybersecurity checklists for county election boards, and audits by the state’s cybersecurity team.

His predecessor left the job in March. Brinkley worked at the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, Lockheed Martin and other operations while developing his cybersecurity expertise.

The University of Texas at San Antonio will build a $135 million command center that will work with Regional Security Operations Centers across the state to repair weaknesses in government systems and educate users.

New poll results show bipartisan opposition to the proposed 10-year artificial intelligence regulatory moratorium. A majority of respondents say both states and the federal government should implement policy.

A measure being considered by state lawmakers would require anyone in Louisiana to verify their age before downloading an app. If approved, it would also require minors to secure parental permission for downloads.

The state will continue to offer clean car and charging tax credits, an Environment Department spokesperson said. This follows voting by federal lawmakers to overturn a series of electric vehicle waivers in California.

Gov. Jared Polis indicated he would prefer to wait for existing court challenges to “run their course.” Polis’s office had signaled skepticism toward the bill throughout the legislative session.

The Leadership Conference’s Center for Civil Rights and Technology’s new Innovation Framework aims to guide the responsible public- and private-sector development, investment and use of artificial intelligence systems.

Plus, Hawaii students were recognized for their contributions to broadband data mapping work, a report shows more than half of New Yorkers use free public Wi-Fi, another shows progress in rural broadband expansion, and more.

The state wants to improve the customer experience for people who use the DMV, as well as boost security against digital criminals. This move is just the latest tech upgrade for DMVs in the U.S.

Following the retirement of state CISO Bob Dehnhardt, officials have named Nevada’s deputy information security leader to the top role. A search for his permanent successor is expected to follow.

State elected officials are working on a legislative package that would address growing energy needs and rising costs — without derailing ambitious carbon-free goals. A driving force is capacity spikes.

The state Senate and House of Representatives have both halted a bill that would have compelled the state to stop issuing drivers’ licenses and ID cards. As of April 1, just 27 percent of Mainers have a Real ID.

Separated from live systems and sensitive public data, sandboxes let states and cities test drive artificial intelligence use cases without impacting services.

The technology is increasingly being used by state and local police agencies, and lawmakers are considering a proposal that would limit and regulate their acquisition and deployment.

Mark Wixon will serve as the new commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Technology, after the recent departure of Madhu Gottumukkala, its now-former commissioner and chief information officer.