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.
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.
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, with authority over designing, using, and deploying automated decision systems that use artificial intelligence.
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 [...]
CAISO Symposium Provides Insight on Direction of Utilities
More than 850 attended this year’s California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Symposium. While most of the conference focused on regional issues and day-ahead scheduling, the opening panel consisted of panelists representing western state utilities.
California says goodbye to late payments and late fees with this new payment tool
The California Department of FISCal (FI$Cal) released a new digital payment history tool that is sure to make life easier for state suppliers and contractors. The "FI$Cal Purchase Order Payment History Search" tool provides real-time information on payments and will serve thousands of suppliers receiving state payments. The tool, which launched in April, will also help the state save funds by preventing late payments and late fees to contractors.
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.
Can blockchain technology help prevent unemployment fraud?
Can blockchain technology help fight fraud at the Employment Development Department? If pending legislation is approved this year, a study by the Office of Digital Innovation (ODI) will aim to answer that question. Assembly Bill 2781 by Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) last week unanimously passed the Senate Governmental Organization Committee advancing closer to final approval. The measure calls for the ODI to study how blockchain technology might help prevent fraud.
Ten AI Government Tech Startups to Watch in 2022
The impending world of AI presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to offer governments a new level of service scalability, efficiency, and security. In fact, based on adoption, AI is likely to be a necessity to manage government’s ever-evolving service needs.
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.
Two Bills Would Mandate Modular Approach to Large-Scale IT Projects
While large-scale contracts and projects managed by the California Department of Technology (CDT) historically have been carried out in both "waterfall" and modular fashions, AB 1806 and AB 2558 aim to mandate the modular approach.
Cradle-to-Career Data System Inches Forward
At the first Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Governing Board meeting for 2022, held last month, the board walked away with one primary action item and two follow-up items to keep the C2C system moving forward.
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.
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.
CDT: Four Technology Modernization Fund Projects Move Forward
On January 12, 2022, the California Department of Technology (CDT) — which approved the TMF in summer 2021 to fund small efforts that can quickly provide high-value services and fund urgent needs identified by the state’s Stabilization Service — announced that projects from the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the California departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and Consumer Affairs (DCA) will move forward.