California ordered to study AI use in state government
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order aimed at preparing California for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in state government. The executive order calls for the state to study the risks and benefits of using AI, focusing on ethics, transparency, and trust while maintaining California's position as a global AI leader.
Legislature Adopts Resolution on AI Principles
The California Legislature has adopted a major policy stance on the use of artificial intelligence with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 17, authored by Senator Dodd (D-Napa). The resolution commits the state to the principles articulated in President Biden's "Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights," unveiled by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy last fall.
California to develop hydrogen market strategy
The all-encompassing approach aims to build a renewable hydrogen market akin to the Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development Strategy to help the state progress toward zero emissions. The move is vital for achieving California's climate objectives, including a clean electric grid and net-zero carbon emissions.
California Gets Significant Boost for Battery Storage on Electric Grid
California has a significant boost in the state's clean electric grid, with 5,600 MW of battery storage capacity now integrated, up from 500 MW in 2020, according to the CalISO. This is enough power for around 4.2 million homes for up to four hours.
Major Infrastructure Projects Approved in Budget
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a series of budget and infrastructure bills aimed at accelerating major projects across California, with a particular emphasis on the state's climate and clean energy goals. The laws aim to speed up construction timelines on key projects by streamlining permitting, cutting red tape, and introducing new project delivery methods.
California’s latest tech tools to combat wildfires
Highlighting the state’s increased use of technology, firefighters, and aircraft to combat wildfires ahead of what is predicted to be an intense wildfire season, Governor Newsom touted the state's latest high-tech tools on Thursday. California is deploying AI, satellites, cameras, drones, and real-time intelligence to fight fires more efficiently.
How Will California Oversee AI in State Agencies?
Newly introduced legislation would create a new office within California state government to oversee state agencies' use of artificial intelligence. Senate Bill 313 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) proposes to establish the Office of Artificial Intelligence within the California Department of Technology.
Photos: Government Innovation California
Hosted by Public Sector Network, the Government Innovation California conference was held on Friday, March 17 in Sacramento. With opening remarks by State CIO Liana Bailey Crimmins, the technology industry event included more than 250 attendees registered, with 25 partners and 19 speakers at the daylong event focused on government technology.
State Parks Launches Digital Passport App
If you are a frequent visitor of state parks in the Golden State, California has a new passport app for you aimed at improving access and engagement across 280 parks. “Spending time outside has many proven benefits almost as numerous as we have parks in this state, improving mental and physical health, inspiring creativity and connection, and helping visitors discover their world,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero in a press release. “Plus, it’s fun! This new Passport Program adds a layer of play that’ll help entice new visitors - especially digital natives and folks more accustomed to screens [...]
Legislature Approves Audit of CDT Oversight Role
The California Joint Legislative Audit Committee has approved an audit request by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris to examine the California Department of Technology’s role in the oversight of state IT projects.
Digital Equity Legislation to Create California Connect Corps
Under pending legislation, California will create a State Digital Equity Plan to help close the Digital Divide and allow it to participate in a massive federal spending program to create affordable and accessible broadband connectivity. Developed in collaboration with the California Public Utilities Commission, the plan will be administered by the California Department of Technology and include the creation of a new California Connect Corps whose mission will be to promote digital inclusion and literacy through community outreach.
What is Challenge-Based Procurement?
What is a challenge-based procurement? Former San Francisco Chief Innovation Officer and City Innovate Co-CEO Jay Nath talks with Christina about new approaches to technology procurement. Watch the 10-minute interview here.
What happens if California does not repay federal unemployment funds?
Christina Gagnier talks with Tom Sheehy, Principal at the Sheehy Strategy Group and former California Department of Finance executive, about efforts to pay back federal funding that kept the claims system running. They also discuss a potential tax increase on employers if federal funding is not repaid.
Smart Health Cards, Open-Source Technology and What’s Next for California’s Chief Technology Innovation Officer
Last fall, California successfully launched a digital vaccine card and shared the code with other states -- it's a success story on rapid deployment and open-source technology. Rick Klau, the state's chief technology innovation officer gives GovReport Host Christina Gagnier the backstory and talks about what's next for the California Department of Technology. Watch the 14-minute interview here.
Photos: Government Innovation California – Feb. 22, 2022
The Government Innovation California conference was held on February 22, 2022, in Sacramento. More than 175 attendees registered for the day-long conference that featured speakers from state and local governments and technology companies. Based in Toronto, Canada, Public Sector Network hosted the event, the organization's first in California.
Are procurement policies keeping up with ever-evolving technology in government?
The GovReport host Christina Gagnier interviews Assembly Member Lloyd Levine (Ret.) about technology procurement processes in government, digital literacy, and improving broadband access for underserved communities, among other important topics. Watch the 12-minute interview here.
M Corp CEO Alex Castro Discusses Book on Strategic Initiatives with Christina Gagnier
The GovReport Host Christina Gagnier talks with Alex Castro, CEO of Sacramento-based M Corp, about his book Measure, Execute, Win! Avoiding Strategic Initiative Debacles and Knowing What Your Business Can and Can't Do. Watch the 10-minute interview.
Former State CIO Carlos Ramos Talks About User-Centered Services, Broadband Adoption and Silver Linings from the Pandemic
Former State Chief Information Officer Carlos Ramos talks with Christina Gagnier about his recent appointment to the Board of the California Emerging Technology Fund. They also discuss his views on public service, customer-centric digital services, challenges to broadband adoption, some silver linings from the pandemic, and the overall use of technology to serve the people of California. Watch the short interview here.
Implementing artificial intelligence in your government program? Here’s where you should start.
When it comes to implementing and utilizing artificial intelligence in government programs, what should be top of mind for officials? According to Jennifer Watkins, managing principal at strategy firm Anewd.ai, program executives should “begin with the end in mind.” The GovReport Host Christina Gagnier talks with Watkins about various challenges and how to achieve success in the public sector. Watch the 10-minute interview here.
Bill would require all public meetings to have online option
The global pandemic has inspired a new legislative proposal to permanently provide public access, via internet-based and call-in options, to all public meetings across California.