This week, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) released it annual State CIO Top Ten Policy and Technology Priorities list for 2026, signaling where state technology leaders are focusing their efforts, and limited resources, in the new year. This year’s list is reflective of the current policy, priority, and funding shifts that have affected SLED agencies most, coupled with the apparent drive towards innovation and modernization.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), enacted on July 4, 2025, is a significant piece of legislation outlining President Trump's executive agenda and guiding future U.S. tax and spending policies.

On July 23, 2025, the Trump administration released an AI Action Plan, highlighting 90 federal policy directives across three key pillars: Accelerating Innovation, Building American AI Infrastructure and Leading in International Diplomacy and Security. The Plan also supports the tenants of the President’s earlier January 23, 2025, Executive Order 14179, “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence.”