2109, 2023

New Legislation Seeks Safe AI Development

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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 [...]

2403, 2023

How Will California Oversee AI in State Agencies?

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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.

903, 2023

State Parks Launches Digital Passport App

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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 [...]

411, 2022

California says goodbye to late payments and late fees with this new payment tool

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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.

1807, 2022

Legislature Approves Audit of CDT Oversight Role

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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. 

1107, 2022

Digital Equity Legislation to Create California Connect Corps

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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.

2006, 2022

Can blockchain technology help prevent unemployment fraud?

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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.

2505, 2022

Ten AI Government Tech Startups to Watch in 2022

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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.

2005, 2022

Education Data System Announces Data Sharing Agreements

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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.  

405, 2022

Newsom Signs Blockchain Executive Order

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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. 

103, 2022

Smart Health Cards, Open-Source Technology and What’s Next for California’s Chief Technology Innovation Officer

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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.   

2302, 2022

Photos: Government Innovation California – Feb. 22, 2022

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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. 

2001, 2022

Former State CIO Carlos Ramos Talks About User-Centered Services, Broadband Adoption and Silver Linings from the Pandemic

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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.

1301, 2022

CDT: Four Technology Modernization Fund Projects Move Forward

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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.

701, 2022

Implementing artificial intelligence in your government program? Here’s where you should start.

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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.

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