CDT provides technical assistance and support to state and local policymakers nationwide, providing research and policy expertise on technology policy that help governments innovate responsibly and protect peoples' rights.
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From protecting individual privacy and providing guardrails around AI, to managing critical elections infrastructure, states and local governments regularly act as “laboratories of democracy” in defending people’s rights. Especially when Congress fails to act, states are taking the lead on the most pressing tech policy issues facing their constituents today.
CDT analyzes trends in state legislation, prepares model bills, and provides testimony and technical assistance in state houses across the country. We also support governors and public agencies on their effective, responsible adoption and regulation of technology. Working with community partners and civic leaders of all parties, we help states navigate the ever changing digital landscape while putting people first.
Resources for Lawmakers
CDT has an array of resources specifically for state and local leaders navigating complicated tech policy issues.
CDT and Partners Post Floor Alert Opposing CA SB 1013 Automated License Plate Readers Bill
The best way to ensure that Automated License Plate Readers are not abused is to limit the retention of stored data and to keep loopholes to lawful process closed. CA SB 1013 is a step in the wrong direction, and we urge the California legislature to reject this approach.
The Center for Democracy and Technology has joined with civil society partners to oppose California’s SB 690, which would amend the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) to retroactively remove private rights of action against companies using pen registries to track individuals.
The 2026 legislative session has shown a continued but shifted focus on the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), with most bills — both introduced and passed — grappling with the rise and use of chatbots in a variety of contexts.
CDT and Partners Urge Passage of the California Location Privacy Act of 2025 (AB 322)
Location data is particularly sensitive, and when collected across time it can reveal a broad range of intrusive insights such as medical conditions, sexual orientation, political activities, and religious beliefs.
How Policymakers Can Address AI Auditing and Assessment Requirements
As more state policymakers consider third-party AI auditing or assessment requirements, these policies face important challenges to their effectiveness.
When the Algorithmic Odds are Not in your Favor: Algorithmic Poisoning and the 2026 U.S. Midterms
As the 2026 midterms approach, policymakers, election officials, and AI developers and deployers share responsibility for understanding how algorithmic poisoning operates and taking concrete steps to reduce its impact.
CDT VP Testifies on State and Local Cybersecurity Threats and the Federal Retreat
On May 21, 2026, CDT Vice President of Policy Samir Jain testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection on the cybersecurity threats facing state and local governments.
