Panel Discussion: Opportunities and Challenges in Data Governance
Featuring Mary Ann Bates, Executive Director, California Cradle-to-Career Data System, Jason Lally, State Chief Data Officer, California Office of Data and Innovation, Katie Regan, State Data Services Manager, California Department of Technology and Agnieszka Rykaczewska, Deputy Director, Insights Lab at CalHHS Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII), the panel explored the evolving role of the chief data officer as state programs increasingly rely on enterprise data to enhance digital services while safeguarding privacy and navigating complex data-sharing regulations. The 45-minute discussion was moderated by Michael Wilkening, former Special Advisor on Innovation and Digital Services to Governor Gavin Newsom, presented at the Forum on Emerging Technologies on December 5, 2024.
Lightning Talk: Government Digital Transformation Success Story – Department of Managed Health Care CIO Ralph Cesena
Watch Cesena's talk about how the California Department of Technology’s Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), and cutting-edge low-code custom software development technology, improved user experience and scheduling efficiencies. Presented at the TechCA Forum on Emerging Technologies on December 5, 2024.
Keynote: State CTO Jonathan Porat on California’s Digital Strategy
California is reshaping how residents interact with government services by prioritizing accessibility, equity, and security in its digital transformation efforts, according to Jonathan Porat, the state’s Chief Technology Officer. Speaking at the TechCA Forum on Emerging Technologies on December 5, Porat highlighted key advancements, including the redesigned ca.gov website, which streamlines access to essential services such as job assistance and birth certificates. The site was developed using the California Design System to improve usability for residents. The state is also enhancing digital identity verification and expanding its open data platform, among other key initiatives. Watch Porat's 20-minute keynote address below.
Building California’s Digital Future: Insights from the State CIO’s Keynote
Liana Bailey-Crimmins, California’s State CIO and Director of the California Department of Technology, delivered a keynote address at the Emerging Technology Forum, presenting the state’s new strategic plan, Envision 2026. The plan focuses on fostering a more inclusive digital experience, strengthening cybersecurity, investing in the public sector workforce, and ensuring government operations are adaptable to future challenges.
California Center for Government Innovation Launched to Promote Excellence and Leadership
A coalition of former government officials announced the launch of the California Center for Government Innovation (CCGI), a nonprofit innovation hub focused on modernizing California government program delivery through human-centered design, common-sense approaches, and emerging technologies. Led by three former gubernatorial appointees with decades of experience spanning three California governors, the new organization will host activities and conduct research to help inform new strategies for driving meaningful innovation in California government.
California Secures $70 Million Federal Grant to Bridge Digital Divide
The Department of Commerce has approved California's request to access more than $70 million in federal funding to implement its digital equity plan. This funding is part of the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which was created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address digital access challenges nationwide. The initiative seeks to enhance affordable, reliable high-speed internet access and promote digital literacy in underserved communities.
California Announces GenAI Training for State Workforce
The GenAI training, based on a new report, was developed by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), the Office of Data and Innovation (ODI), and the California Department of Technology (CDT), in collaboration with the Government Operations Agency (GovOps) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA).
Report: Zero Emission Vehicle Sales and Production are on the Decline
The slowdown in sales and production of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is undoubtedly concerning, particularly for those who have championed electric vehicles as a key solution to combat climate change.
Little Hoover Commission Public Hearings on AI
[Updated with hearing video] The hearing on May 23rd is the first in a series with an overview of California’s efforts to incorporate AI into state government operations and outline best practices for future implementation. Leaders from government, academia, and the tech industry testified.
5 Insights, Lessons on Using Artificial Intelligence
As one local government official recently wrote, artificial intelligence (AI) “has the potential to revolutionize state and local government operations,” the primary advantages being enhancements in efficiency, smarter decision-making and improved service delivery, to name a few.
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 [...]
Legislation mandates governments to use ‘.gov’ domain
Assembly Bill 1637 by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D- Thousand Oaks) calls for local government agencies throughout California to use a primary or secondary ".gov" or ".ca.gov" domain for official websites and email addresses. As a measure to improve cybersecurity standards, the legislation aims to expedite the switch for hundreds of city and county governments and their subordinate agencies with a non-standard domain, such as ".com" or ".org". The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2027.
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.
Assembly Joint Resolution Proposes Six Month Moratorium on AI Development
Assemblymember Bill Essayli (Riverside - R) on Thursday introduced Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 6 that proposes the U.S. government moratorium on training AI systems more powerful than GPT 4 for six months to give agencies time to develop regulations.
Legislation Creates Domain Standard for Government Agencies
Currently, there is no uniform web domain for government entities. Whether it’s gov, com, or net, they lack standardization. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin aims to change that with Assembly Bill 1637, which proposes that all California agencies must maintain or change their domain to “.gov” or “.ca.gov” no later than Jan. 1, 2026.
AI Legislation Moves Forward
TechCA is tracking bills related to artificial intelligence, including legislation that would establish the Office of Artificial Intelligence, require a comprehensive inventory of all “high-risk automated decision systems,” mandate civil rights impact assessments for automated decision tools, create an interagency AI working group across all state agencies, and establish a comprehensive research plan to study the feasibility of using advanced technology to improve state and local government services.
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.
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 [...]
California offers free COVID-19 vaccination record system for states
California IT officials hail the new system as a breakthrough achievement, and in this instance, the hyperbole is true. It's a huge win.
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.
