State Government

The state’s recently arrived director of cyber operations will work closely with state Chief Information Security Officer Chris Gergen to build and manage statewide cybersecurity strategy and operations.

As part of a statewide push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, California launched a voucher program aimed at helping residents purchase e-bikes, but there have been problems.

New research from Georgetown’s Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation reveals how states are navigating technology, governance and operations to improve access to public benefits like SNAP and Medicaid.

Nearly a month after Aaron Bentley left his role as Salt Lake City CIO to take a position with the state of Utah, the City Council appointed Zach Posner, now-former CIO for Salt Lake County, as his successor.

Connecticut legislators expect to debate a couple technology-related education issues this year, including whether to pass a statewide policies to restrict access to cellphones and social media for K-12 students.

Less than three weeks after the resignation of state CIO Greg Lane, Delaware is recruiting its next technology leader. The person selected will oversee a yearly operating budget of more than $100 million.

Amid a wave of IT leadership promotions, the state lifted the acting tag from four total positions, the others being executive deputy CIO, chief of staff to the CIO and executive director of CODE PA.

In his 2026-2027 budget address, delivered to the General Assembly on Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced new infrastructure standards intended to guide responsible data center development.

A new report by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers offers assistance to the public sector around complying with federal digital accessibility requirements.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has appointed Kevin Dehmer, the now-former state education commissioner, as the state’s new chief technology officer. Longtime CTO Chris Rein’s last day was Friday.

The unique deal, done without venture capital or private equity, will position Nava’s public service delivery platform as an open source, end-to-end option for agencies to modernize their tech, Nava’s CEO said.

Bryce Bailey, deputy state CISO, has been tapped to be interim CISO in the Cornhusker State following the departure of Abby Eccher-Young. The state is also looking to hire a new chief data officer.

Rein, who has been in place since May 2018, was the state’s second standalone CTO and its former deputy chief information security officer. Vernon Spencer, state chief operating officer, will step in as interim CTO.

Longtime technology issues such as broadband access, school cellphone bans, AI and modernization permeate speeches so far in 2026. But many governors in this cycle are either termed out or not seeking re-election.

The state’s Department of Economic Security is on a journey to modernize the ways in which it provides human services. Now, officials are looking to integrate AI to help staff more efficiently serve clients.

There was a record set for data breaches in 2025, and the incidents were also paired with fewer details in notification letters, raising concerns about transparency and public understanding.

Following a turbulent year in cybersecurity, the state Governor’s Technology Office is seeking to hire a new cybersecurity lead to manage risk and compliance. Nevada’s permanent CISO retired in May 2025.

If passed, a bill making its way through the Idaho legislature would not mandate the use of AI or the collection of data, but would require the State Department of Education to recommend standards and assessments.