The bill requires decision-making on the acquisition of information technology to be supplemented with a computational process that includes data analysis, statistical models, and artificial intelligence that minimizes the risk of algorithmic bias, or the “risk of adverse and discriminatory impacts resulting from the design and application of automated decision systems.”
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Veteran tech leader Chris Cruz to retire from public service
After serving for two years as San Joaquin County CIO, Chris Cruz, who spent most of his career in high-level positions in California state government, is leaving public service to join a private sector firm, he confirmed. Cruz left his position … [Read More...] about Veteran tech leader Chris Cruz to retire from public service

Broadband access hits record high, digital divide remains for disadvantaged, says report
A new report out this week says that while Californians are connected to the Internet at a record percentage in 2021, nearly 2 million households remain digitally-disadvantaged. The Digital Divide has grown more acute for low-income and Latino … [Read More...] about Broadband access hits record high, digital divide remains for disadvantaged, says report

Grants awarded to protect vulnerable communities from emergency power shutoffs
The State of California is distributing $50 million in Community Power Resiliency grants aimed to protect local and vulnerable communities from the effects of utility-initiated power shutoffs. The grants will be distributed through the California … [Read More...] about Grants awarded to protect vulnerable communities from emergency power shutoffs

After California’s Costly Firestorms, A Wildfire Innovation Office Emerges
As California grapples with an upsurge of deadly fires, a new bill proposes an Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development for cutting edge solutions California’s 2020 wildfire season broke records. The state reported more than 9,600 … [Read More...] about After California’s Costly Firestorms, A Wildfire Innovation Office Emerges

Board Members Appointed to California’s Privacy Protection Agency
On Mar. 17, Governor Gavin Newsom, along with other state officials, announced the establishment of the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) board and appointed five inaugural members. The new agency was created by Proposition 24 approved … [Read More...] about Board Members Appointed to California’s Privacy Protection Agency

Governor Appoints Ana Lasso as new DGS Director
Gov. Newsom on Friday announced the appointment of Ana Lasso as the new director of the California Department of General Service. Lasso replaces Daniel Kim who left the position in January. Details of the announcement include: Ana M. Lasso, 44, … [Read More...] about Governor Appoints Ana Lasso as new DGS Director

New report confronts shift in workplace amid economic crisis
With a backdrop of economic crisis and a massive shift toward telework due to the global pandemic, a new report confronts unemployment, unequal wages, and a fast-changing job landscape. Governor Newsom's Future of Work Commission published its … [Read More...] about New report confronts shift in workplace amid economic crisis

PPIC report measures California’s digital divide
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a record-high 84 percent of Californians are using high-speed internet at home—up 10 percent from 2017. The pandemic has shifted many, if not most, activities to online; Californians are using the internet for … [Read More...] about PPIC report measures California’s digital divide