New Legislation Seeks Safe AI Development
Senator Scott Wiener (D- San Francisco) has introduced SB 294, known as the Safety in Artificial Intelligence Act, aiming to establish a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safe development of AI models within California, the legislator announced. The core objectives of SB 294 include mandating responsible scaling practices for AI labs, robust testing for safety risks in advanced models, and the imposition of strong liability for damages resulting from foreseeable safety risks. The proposal also seeks to create CalCompute, a cloud-based compute cluster available to AI researchers and smaller developers within California's public university system. The bill is currently classified [...]
California launches real-time responder tool ahead of wildfire season
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has introduced a real-time tool called Next-Gen SCOUT to enhance the response of first responders during wildfire season.
Joy Bonaguro Leaves State, Reflects on Time as Chief Data Officer of California
After nearly three and a half years as Chief Data Officer (CDO) for the state of California, Joy Bonaguro has left her role, according to her post on Medium.
Legislation Proposing AI Working Group Passes Senate
Senate Bill 721, authored by Senator Josh Becker, which proposes to create the California Interagency AI Working Group, passed the Senate this week on a 38-0 vote. The bill now heads to the Assembly to continue through the legislative process.
NTIA Seeks Policy Comments on AI Regulations
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is seeking comments on potential policies that might foster trust in AI systems via audits, certifications, and other mechanisms, according to an April 11 statement on their website.
Legislation Proposes to Create AI Working Group Across California Agencies
Senate Bill 721 by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) was amended last week to propose creating the California Interagency AI Working Group, which would “deliver a report to the Legislature, as prescribed, regarding artificial intelligence” until January 1, 2030.
Legislation Aims to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in Government Systems
Assembly Bill 302 (Ward - D) would require the California Department of Technology (CDT) to conduct a statewide inventory of all "high-risk automated decision systems" being used by state agencies, including identifying categories of data and personal information being used to make government decisions.
California Health Marketplace Upgrades Data Infrastructure
As a state-based health insurance marketplace, it’s critical for CalHEERS to effectively store and manage nine-plus years of historical data totaling up to roughly 150 terabytes.
State Launches Transit Fare Discount App
The California Integrated Travel Project (Cal-ITP) and the California Department of Technology (CDT) are partnering to launch a new app called Cal-ITP Benefits that allows transit riders the ability to access discounted fares if verified as eligible.
California Announces Health Data Exchange Framework
The framework serves as a single data sharing agreement and “common set of policies and procedures” that–starting in 2024–will facilitate and govern the process in which health information is shared between health care entities and government agencies.
Bailey-Crimmins Appointed State CIO and CDT Director
Her 34-year career with the state began with an internship and has spanned eight different departments, including prior information technology roles with California Correctional Health Care Services.
Education Data System Announces Data Sharing Agreements
California's developing education data system has signed legal agreements with 15 agencies and education organizations to pave the way for new data sets on student progress throughout the state's education system, the Cradle-to-Career System announced.
Newsom Signs Blockchain Executive Order
Crypto assets and blockchain technology make up $3 trillion on the global market. Around 16 percent of adults have invested in or traded cryptocurrency. Gov. Gavin Newsom is bringing some regulation to a burgeoning, wide-open market. On May 4, Gov. Newsom signed an executive deal that will begin to create a regulatory approach that will foster an industry and workforce that utilizes blockchain technology in California.
CDT Kicks off Round Two of the Technology Modernization Fund
The California Department of Technology announced round two for proposals to be funded by the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF).
What will motivate the next generation of public servants?
Public and private sector leaders from across California met on Feb. 22 in Sacramento to share ideas and network at Government Innovation California, a one-day event put on by Public Sector Network.
Gov. Newsom Appoints Amy Tong as GovOps Secretary
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Amy Tong as the new Secretary of the Government Operations Agency (GovOps), according to a Monday press release.
How Can California Prepare Itself for the Inevitability of AI?
When the Little Hoover Commission authored its 2018 report Artificial Intelligence: A Roadmap for California, they captured a state that was ill-prepared to face the inevitable changes that AI will bring to the economy and work landscape in the near future.
Amy Tong Appointed Director at Office of Digital Innovation
State CIO and California Department of Technology Director Amy Tong has been appointed to a new post, to serve as director of the Office of Digital Innovation, according to an announcement from the Governor's Office. Starting Jan. 1, 2022, Tong will move to the new position, formerly occupied by Udaya Patnaik, who was appointed to the position in May 2020. Deputy CIO Russ Nichols will assume the role of acting CIO.
Newsom Announces Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board Appointments
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced seven new appointments on Friday, including four new appointments to the Cradle-to-Career Data System Governing Board.
State Calls for First Round of Technology Modernization Proposals
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed California toward a more digital state government, and the state is eager to continue its efforts to modernize public services, according to this year's state budget.