In an era of digital transactions and online interactions, the risk of fraud has never been higher. Representatives of federal agencies told NCSL Base Camp attendees what they are doing to safeguard consumers.

Growing numbers of legislators and staff use generative artificial intelligence for doing research, summarizing legal cases and drafting documents, but it’s far from a majority yet, according to panelists at NCSL’s Base Camp 2024.

At a recent forum for NCSL Foundation members in Washington, D.C., Kate Blackman and Natalie Wood, NCSL vice presidents of state research and policy, shared their forecasts for key issues likely to dominate the 2025 legislative sessions.

From fiscal challenges to tech innovations and workforce dynamics, the legislative issues dominating state discussions are also setting the stage for federal priorities. As 2025 approaches, these topics will likely shape the national agenda....

Legislative priorities in technology and communications for 2025 include making sense of artificial intelligence, protecting consumer privacy, addressing children’s use of social media and expanding broadband access.

Lawmakers are responding to concerns about how cellphone use can affect student learning and mental health with new restrictions on cellphone use in schools.