State Government

The Department of Homeland Security has once again pushed back the deadline to get a federally compliant REAL ID. Officials say lingering problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic are to blame for the delay.

In his proposed budget last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined millions of dollars for the state’s Department of Management Services. The money would fund modernization and cybersecurity efforts among other initiatives.

Seven months after the deadline set by Proposition 24, the CPPA is still working to complete its rulemaking.The delay reveals the painstaking and complicated process of actually implementing an idea signed into law or approved by voters.

Lawmakers from both parties are supporting a bill that would help law enforcement agencies in the state afford body cameras and the necessary storage technology. Smaller agencies have struggled with these costs.

Gov. Gavin Newsom this week announced that Nolwenn Godard, a technology executive with a lengthy private-sector resume, would take over as the new director of the Office of Data and Innovation.

In Massachusetts, the latest piece of technology to take the Internet by storm — ChatGPT— helped craft a bill aimed at regulating AI. But, the lawmaker behind the bill says the tech isn't ready to write laws without help.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services adopted a mobile application from Royal Philips to provide pregnant and postpartum Michiganders access to information and personalized content.

Following the December departure of former North Dakota CIO Shawn Riley, Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Kuldip Mohanty to the role. Mohanty brings nearly three decades of private-sector IT experience.

During a panel discussion on the subject of data management, state data experts discussed the importance of intentionally obtaining data to inform decision-making and tell a story to those who use it.

Governors highlight the millions of dollars going toward connecting every resident and business, as well as the benefits of broadband for education, the workforce and economic development.

The Capital Region Crime Analysis Center in Albany will be growing as part of a $500,000 investment that includes more space and new staff. The center is part of a state-supported network that provides aid to law enforcement agencies.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is reconsidering a prohibition on autonomous trucks in the state following years of pleading from the industry and rapid advancements in the space.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced Thursday that $192 million in broadband funding would be awarded to the state for rural expansion efforts. The money is expected to expand coverage to an estimated 55,000 locations.

While state CISO, Roemer confronted struggles to find and hire cyber talent, and sought to make cyber awareness trainings more frequent, robust and widespread. He now joins a private company focused on both those areas.

Legislation has been filed in both the House and Senate that calls for the MBTA to operate a fully electric commuter rail system by December 2035. Three lines that serve environmental justice populations would be electrified sooner.

Wyoming CIO Bill Vajda has stepped down from his position with Enterprise Technology Services. Vajda — the former CIO of Alaska — was appointed to the position by Gov. Mark Gordon just under a year ago.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill aimed at banning any technology or platform from state devices that could threaten cybersecurity. TikTok was the impetus for the legislation.

Despite claims that states can close the digital divide in five years, digital equity is a long-term problem that requires long-term solutions, and states must plan accordingly.