State Government

Global tensions are prompting state and local governments to deepen focus on their abilities to prevent, withstand and recover from cyber incidents, and many are particularly concerned about risks to sensitive data, according to a new report.

Gov. Kristi Noem signed an executive order this week banning the use of the popular social media platform TikTok on state-issued devices. Noem cited concerns about the platform’s connection to the Chinese government.

Washington state CIO Bill Kehoe said the agency would like to create a fund to help state government take the necessary steps toward modernizing old, legacy technology systems.

Arizona Business One Stop is designed for people hoping to start businesses along with operators of existing firms. Lessons learned during its creation could help similar all-in-one platforms achieve success.

As private-sector technology companies continue to announce layoffs, state and local government agencies looking for workers to bolster the public-sector workforce may be able to hire some of the skilled talent.

Amid account verification turmoil and warnings of potential outages at Twitter, some agencies say they have no plans to leave, but are alerting users to other social media options and tips for spotting real accounts.

With the last equipment upgrade occurring in 2008 and most of dispatch staff using radio technology from the 80s, Windham Town Manager has entered a $3 million contract with STV Construction for dispatch center upgrades.

The State Risk and Authorization Management Program (StateRAMP) announced its 2023 board of directors Friday, led by Arizona CIO JR Sloan. A mix of public- and private-sector voices make up this who’s who of gov tech.

In anticipation of the FCC releasing its new nationwide broadband maps today, Government Technology spoke with several industry experts to better understand how these maps will work and some of the challenges still ahead.

A petition filed with the South Carolina Supreme Court alleges that automatic license plate readers are part of a growing system of “unlawful and unaccountable surveillance” overseen by the state’s Law Enforcement Division.

A review of recent financial reports from the industry — including from gov tech giant Tyler Technologies — shows how companies plan to grow in the midst of economic anxieties. Public safety and the cloud play big roles.

Many new governors and re-elected incumbents will now consider appointments to lead state departments. But an expert cautions IT leadership to resist the temptation to play politics as states’ power balance shifts.

Election-related disinformation built on strategies tested in 2020, and its believers remain a strong community, those watching the space say. Though voters rejected many election denier candidates, there is still cause for concern.

Secretary of State-elect Wes Allen has announced his intention to withdraw from the Electronic Registration Information Center, a collaboration between 33 states aimed at cross-checking voter registration data.

The state will see around $100 million for high-speed Internet projects as part of a $1 billion pot of funding from the federal government. Other projects include the purchase of electric buses and charging infrastructure.

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has launched a pilot program using virtual reality technology to improve engagement and relationships between incarcerated parents and their children.

Tarek Tomes, who was appointed by Minn. Gov. Tim Walz in 2019, will stay on to lead Minnesota IT Services in a cabinet-level position. Tomes is one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers.

The program, called the Broadband Line Extension Connection Program, will work differently from other grants in that the process in applying for the grant will not be generated from an ISP, but rather by the end users.