Valerie Foushee (D-NC)
State and Local Public Sector Innovation Act
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The State and Local Public Sector Innovation Act directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to create a grant program. This program aims to modernize the technology used by State and local governments to improve the security and efficiency of public services. Funding will be distributed to States based on population and specific needs determined through a survey. Grant recipients can use funds for various purposes, such as updating infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, and training staff. A significant portion of the funds must be directed to local political subdivisions. The act also establishes requirements regarding data management and the use of artificial intelligence.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +8
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill provides funding specifically to establish or upgrade cybersecurity systems and transition to post-quantum cryptography.
- Scored +7
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
The bill emphasizes technical assistance for data privacy best practices and requires states to implement data privacy systems.
- Scored +6
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
The act provides technical assistance for privacy best practices and mandates data privacy systems for states.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Public Services: The program aims to modernize government technology to improve the security and efficacy of public services (Section 2(a)).
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Enhanced Cybersecurity: Funds can be used for establishing or upgrading cybersecurity systems and processes, as well as transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (Section 2(d)(1)).
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Support for Local Communities: At least 70 percent of the grant amount must be provided directly to political subdivisions of a State to ensure a local focus (Section 2(d)(2)).
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Technical Guidance: The Assistant Secretary will provide technical assistance regarding data security best practices, privacy best practices, and cyber threat monitoring (Section 2(f)).
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Transparency in Artificial Intelligence: Guidance will ensure that if an artificial intelligence system is used for interaction with a member of the public, the person is notified that artificial intelligence is being used (Section 2(g)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Mandate Compliance Burdens: If a State is not complying with "covered mandates"—such as having a Chief Data Officer or implementing specific data privacy and life-cycle policies—the Assistant Secretary may require the State to set aside up to 15 percent of its grant for those specific actions (Section 2(d)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The act provides technical assistance for privacy best practices and mandates data privacy systems for states. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires notifications to the public when artificial intelligence is used in government interactions.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill emphasizes technical assistance for data privacy best practices and requires states to implement data privacy systems. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The program involves consultation with academia and scientific societies regarding technology modernization.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improved efficacy of public services can lead to more efficient delivery of local government resources. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Improved efficacy of public services can lead to more efficient delivery of local government resources. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The modernization of government technology can improve the efficiency of services provided to rural residents. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The modernization of government technology can improve the efficiency of services provided to city residents.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill provides funding specifically to establish or upgrade cybersecurity systems and transition to post-quantum cryptography.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The modernization of government permitting processes may facilitate easier operations for businesses.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill allows for the updating of technology and infrastructure used by government entities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — Modernizing government technology and permitting processes can indirectly support housing infrastructure and efficiency.
- 5/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House