This Week in Government Technology – February 9th – 16th, 2025

Federal and National AI Initiatives

Congressional Push for AI Regulation

Jay Obernolte, a California Republican Congressman, has urged Congress to pass federal AI regulations to prevent a fragmented approach across states. The lawmaker warned that without cohesive federal policies, the nation could face inconsistent AI safety and data privacy regulations.

Obernolte is also leading efforts to establish a National AI Research Resource, which aims to create a shared public-private research infrastructure to facilitate responsible AI development and data usage.

Federal IT Infrastructure Faces AI-Driven Strain

A new report from Hewlett Packard warns that federal agencies’ rapid adoption of AI technology may soon overwhelm legacy IT infrastructure. The report highlights the urgent need for strategic planning to ensure government systems can support AI-driven workloads, cautioning that failure to modernize could disrupt essential services. It emphasizes investments in AI-ready hardware and computing capabilities as critical to maintaining service delivery and security.

State-Level AI Innovations

Washington State Proposes AI Bargaining Rights for Public Sector Unions

Washington’s state legislature has introduced a bill granting public sector unions a say in AI deployment within government services. If passed, this legislation would ensure that unions can negotiate how AI technologies are integrated into administrative functions, potentially shaping policies on automation and job security.

Los Angeles County Implements AI for Multilingual Emergency Communication

Los Angeles County emergency services have begun utilizing AI-powered translation tools to improve communication with non-English-speaking residents. This initiative aims to enhance public safety and accessibility, ensuring that emergency messages reach all community members efficiently, regardless of language barriers.

Texas and Iowa Explore AI for Government Efficiency

Texas has established a new Government Efficiency Committee to explore the role of AI in modernizing state IT systems and improving public sector operations. Inspired by this move, Iowa’s governor has signed an executive order creating the Iowa Department of Government Efficiency (IDOGE), a 15-member task force dedicated to assessing AI and automation technologies’ potential to enhance state government efficiency.

Oregon’s AI Advisory Council Releases Action Plan

The Oregon State Government AI Advisory Council, formed in 2023, has released its final AI action plan, offering policy recommendations for AI governance. The plan calls for executive actions to formalize AI policies related to data security, human oversight, and workforce preparedness. The recommendations aim to ensure transparent and responsible AI deployment within Oregon’s state government.

California Enhances Firefighting Training with AI

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection integrates AI-driven augmented reality simulations into firefighter training programs. This initiative aims to improve training effectiveness and help personnel better prepare for real-world fire prevention and emergency response scenarios.