Policy

Plus, legislation could improve digital skills training in workforce development programs, the bipartisan Wi-Fi Caucus relaunched, digital literacy work continues at the local level, and more.

Data center development, the subject of much public-sector conversation and policy, is predicted to expand, driven by the growth of AI. It's also expected to come at a cost and bring a selective benefit.

A presidential executive order on AI could challenge a number of laws already in play. One in California, state Senate Bill 53, set safety disclosure requirements for companies operating AI models.

Following an investigation, the Texas Education Agency found that North East Independent School District was not complying with state law requiring school districts to ban cellphone use during the school day.

A proposed one-year moratorium on large hyperscale data centers in Starke County, Ind., is headed to the County Board of Commissioners there for consideration.

A bill submitted by state Rep. Katie Stuart would amend the state vehicle code to limit speeds on bike paths and trails. Currently, the closest equivalent is a 15 mile per hour speed limit in alleys.

QR codes must be eliminated from Georgia’s ballots by July 2026, but less than a year away from midterms, the state is still trying to figure out how to comply.

A poll of about 900 parents of students in grades 6-12 in Massachusetts, conducted by the nonprofit MassINC, found that 66 percent either strongly or somewhat supported a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in public schools.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has introduced two new pieces of legislation: one to protect consumers from the costs of AI data centers and one that would establish an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights.

A new policy guide from the nonprofit Public Citizen is intended to support the public sector with concrete recommendations on transparent data center projects that are respectful to residents.

Virginia utilities should be able to tap the brakes on new data centers and other big power users if they don’t have the power plants on hand to supply them, a General Assembly panel said.

The state will join others in establishing a C-level artificial intelligence leadership role, as officials look to expand the use of AI tools under clear governance expectations, while ensuring that work follows state priorities.

The federal measure, which has been referred to committee, would continue the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program that has supported state, local, tribal and territorial governments since 2022.

Plus, Congress calls on the Trump administration to follow the law for BEAD program funding, AI infrastructure increasingly plays a role in digital equity, stakeholders are calling for reforms to USF, and more.

As those lawmakers began filing legislation for the upcoming legislative session, a handful of proposals imposing new rules on AI were introduced, including protections for children and rules for chatbots.

Developers have bought the former Cheswick Generating Station site in Springdale, Pa., for $14.3 million, with the intent to construct a massive data center, pending a vote by the city council.

If the federal government succeeds in dismantling the Department of Education, it could impact the sharing of new adaptive or assistive technologies, communication devices and workforce development programs.

Included in the federal government's SUPPORT Act, the measure mandates cybersecurity reporting across the 988 network along with an order for a review of system risks.