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.
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.
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 [...]
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.
CPUC Overhauls Rooftop Solar Proposal
The California Public Utilities Commission has released a long-awaited overhaul of its proposal to regulate rooftop solar installations, removing an unpopular new fee but reducing how much utilities would pay homeowners for supplying power to the grid.
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 begins race to build a statewide, 10,000-mile broadband network
The state promotes high-speed internet as a critical element for economic growth since it enables work-from-home careers, which can save them money on transportation costs.
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.
Deloitte Secures $46M California DMV Modernization Contract
The New York headquartered company is part of the DMV’s Digital eXperience Platform (DxP), a department-wide project to remake and re-engineer the DMV’s services from the ground up. Its aspirations are Amazonian, attempting to mimic the intuitive ease of ecommerce within the nuances of form submissions and renewals.
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.
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.