Before deploying AI, Code for America suggests governments follow four steps to prepare. Ensure data quality and consistency tops the list; tips for getting started with that include auditing data sources and standardizing formats. The non-profit also suggests establishing data privacy and security protocols, including limiting access with role-based permissions. Code for America explains, “ensure only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data by implementing role-based access controls (RBAC). We suggest strict access controls based on the principle of least privilege, meaning that users only have the absolute minimum level of access needed to perform their job functions. Consider implementing multifactor authentication for additional security.” Other steps in the August 5 article include building AI-ready infrastructure and implementing ethical guidelines and transparency measures.
Groups that represent state governments, including NASCIO, urged congressional leaders to restore federal funds that support cybersecurity efforts. According to StateScoop on August 8, five groups sent an open letter to U.S. House and Senate Appropriations members, citing the impact of cuts made to the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The letter stated that “every day, we use MS-ISAC’s services to protect the private data of citizens and the operation of hundreds of thousands of public schools, hospitals, utilities, law enforcement, courts, and other essential critical infrastructure across the country. MS-ISAC helps us prevent expensive data breaches and thwart increasingly sophisticated attacks. Exploitation of the cyber domain almost always has a harmful impact on the physical world. Without federal funding, our members will be left to combat foreign cyber and multidimensional threats on their own.”
Besides NASCIO, the other organizations signing the letter included: The United States Conference of Mayors, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Association of Counties and the National League of Cities.
These groups said MS-ISAC’s services helped them to:
Kansas ranks number 51 overall for all states and Puerto Rico in the 2024 State Occupational Licensing Index from the Archbridge Institute and the Knee Regulatory Research Center; the score places the state 51st among states for the highest occupational licensing burden. Besides the overall ranking, the report also features a state profile ranking that puts states in one of five quintiles. Kansas ranks five in the quintile system, with one the “most occupational licensing” and five the “least occupational licensing.” The quintile system reviews several factors, including barriers and licenses, along with universal recognition reforms. The licensing index, released in August, contains information on 284 occupations.
See a listing of all state rankings in the latest edition of the State Occupational Licensing Index.
Federal appeals court sides with Oregon foster youth victims, expanding abuse settlement
A federal appeals court ruled August 12 that a class-action child abuse settlement, which aims to significantly reform Oregon’s foster care system, must also address the needs of hundreds of foster youth who remain with their birth parents.”
Illinois waives licensing fees for retired health care workers who volunteer
A bill, that passed unanimously in the Illinois House and Senate in the spring, allows retired health care workers in Illinois to work as volunteers without paying a license fee.
