State Government

Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are fertile ground for state lawmakers this session. Bills they also propose include making a joint risk analysis of generative AI and changes to the California Cybersecurity Maturity Metric.

Cities and states are working on novel solutions to old, intractable problems. Governing magazine’s return to print showcases stories of the people who are making them work across the country.

Jason Benshoof, Nevada’s first-ever state chief data officer, said teamwork among agencies will help keep data initiatives in line with community priorities. A state staffer since 2009, he was named CDO Feb. 12.

Reducing vehicle miles is the most powerful way to cut greenhouse gas emissions, an executive at StreetLight Data said. Its new 2024 U.S. Transportation Climate Impact Index ranks the nation’s 100 most populous metropolitan areas.

Complete bans, age verification and new online tools are in play as government, the tech industry and parents contend for influence and control in determining how to keep minors safe online.

Jason Benshoof, the former chief IT manager of the Client Services Unit in the Nevada Office of the CIO, will lead the state’s data governance efforts as CDO. A longtime Nevada executive, he will also develop and implement a statewide data plan.

Developed by state agencies, the regulations are intended to assist entities and vendor partners on incidental and intentional GenAI procurements. Their release follows considerable state explorations in generative AI.

A ransomware attack discovered in early February locked public defenders across the state out of their computers and files. The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender has acknowledged personal data may have been stolen.

Gov. Tina Kotek addressed Oregon’s Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council Tuesday at its first-ever meeting. She created the council Nov. 28 by executive order; it has 12 months to deliver a final recommended action plan.

Longtime executive Miriam Barcellona Ingenito, undersecretary at the Government Operations Agency, discussed the state’s IT landscape Tuesday at the California Public Sector CIO Academy. Mission-driven solutions, she said, are key.

The move, made during "Sunshine Week," could help suppliers learn more about contracting trends, and citizens to keep track of procurement trends. The launch comes amid a large procurement acquisition move.

Making good on the promise of generative AI requires a foundation of clean data and clear policies. Chief data officers and AI experts weigh in on practical ways to build a strong program.

The new 2023 Geospatial Maturity Assessment report from the National States Geographic Information Council evaluated 46 states and Washington, D.C. It highlights successes and disparities in GIS integration, and emphasizes collaboration.

A sponsor of the proposed legislation said he regards data centers as modern infrastructure on par with ports and telecommunications. A former Colorado Public Utilities Commission member considers them a drain on resources.

West Virginia is partnering with health technology firm GATC to integrate artificial intelligence into the state’s pharmaceutical research in an effort to accelerate the discovery of safe, effective drugs.

Plus, more states see their digital equity plans accepted, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance unveils a low-cost plan model as an alternative to the ACP, and more.

Contracts and federal grant monies aim to rapidly bring high-speed Internet to many of the state’s 67 counties. The developments follow last-mile broadband work paid for by more than $82 million in state funding.

The deal comes amid a period of growth for MDF, which recently began working with the state of Hawaii. KKR’s $189 million plan, still subject to shareholder approval, reflects the growing presence of private equity in gov tech.