State Government

The state is broadening a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment program to include water and wastewater utilities. Officials aim to do at least 342 tailored security examinations by 2026 to help local governments.

Created by Gov. Phil Murphy in October 2023, the group wrapped up last month by issuing a required report with recommendations. It could be re-formed if needed, but the state’s work in artificial intelligence continues.

In the biannual Digital States Survey, top performers are prioritizing cybersecurity and constituent services, as well as harnessing AI. The following takeaways offer a snapshot view.

The audit, the first of its kind, demonstrated a nearly identical match to the count done on election night, using tech to read the text on all 5.3 million Georgia ballots. Nearly all inconsistencies were caused by unclear marks on absentee ballots that required human review.

The state first published its policy and procedure for generative artificial intelligence in March. Since then, officials made several updates to address the changing needs this type of technology creates.

A program in several northeastern states is attempting to bridge training gaps for EV technicians in disadvantaged communities. The endeavor, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, focuses on the need for municipal fleet mechanics.

The work of state-level CISOs is expanding to help serve the cyber needs of small municipalities and vulnerable groups, a NASCIO report affirms. Whole-of-state cybersecurity and grants are helping drive the endeavor.

The new three-year technology road map will serve state government as a whole. It builds on the work of a previous plan, Vision 2023, said state CIO Liana Bailey-Crimmins, director of the California Department of Technology.

The state announced its multiyear Colorado Digital Government Strategic Plan in 2022. Leaders continue bringing it to life, engaging residents and focusing on three key initiatives to offer a simple, secure, fast experience.

New policy from the Michigan Senate Information Services blocks senators, employees and interns from using Senate-issued devices to access some artificial intelligence tools. This includes ChatGPT.

The Gulf Coast state could earn a significant endorsement as a home for critical technology infrastructure if Meta’s multibillion-dollar AI data center in north Louisiana gets regulatory approval. The $5 billion project could employ 300 to 500 people.

Small technology companies focused on specific sectors or niche markets have more to offer than meets the eye. They can help solve problems that might be too narrow for big tech to take on.

The incident, which affected state courts for two weeks, is ending as the Administrative Office of the Courts restores systems on the network. A forensic analysis is ongoing but unauthorized activity has been eliminated.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding a pilot program in Michigan with tech startup Syncurrent. The project will provide six rural communities with AI-powered tools to secure critical grant funding.

Easterly was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the agency. The precise timing of her departure is unclear, but is expected to take place in advance of the incoming President-elect Donald J. Trump administration.

In addition to upskilling and transforming their workforce, IT leaders in government are investing in enterprise technology that can scale for the future.

The Washington state courts network remains offline more than a week after officials found “unauthorized activity.” The administrative courts office took it down Nov. 4 “out of an abundance of caution” and leaders are hopeful it can be restored next week.

Plus, Oregon announces more than $100 million in funding for broadband, more states have been awarded federal funding, a new report aims to support nonprofit organizations in their digital equity work, and more.