What to Know:

• Conroe police have launched a drone-first-response program using two Axon Air drones and two docking stations.
• City Council approved the $230,000 purchase in December using Federal Justice Seized Assets funds.
• The department’s drone policy requires FAA Part 107-licensed operators, ties flights to dispatch records and bars random surveillance.

What to Know:

• HHSC is rolling out SEMARC, a cross-agency reportable conduct search tool, and backing it up with rule changes across multiple programs.
• The agency is moving WIC benefits to a cloud-based system, with new cards, real-time benefit updates and continued expansion of the myWIC app.
• HHSC is continuing work on interoperability and oversight through the ATLIS health information exchange effort and tighter electronic visit verification controls.

What to Know:

• Arlington and Dallas are using an AI traffic system called NoTraffic AI to help manage intersections ahead of the World Cup.
• The system uses radar and live video to detect vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians so cities can adjust signal timing and reduce congestion.
• Arlington has already adopted the technology and plans to expand its use this summer, while Dallas is testing it at two locations before deciding on broader deployment.

What to Know:

• The new medical education and research initiative is tied to UT’s partnership with MD Anderson.
• The UT Dell Medical Center will be AI-native, using AI and advanced computing to connect care, research and discovery.
• The broader initiative will also support the Texas Advanced Computing Center, undergraduate scholarships and student housing.

What to Know:

• DIR has launched a new record conversion service through Shared Technology Services to help public entities digitize paper records, CDs and DVDs.
• Participating entities can choose how digital files are structured, where they are stored and what happens to the original physical materials after conversion.
• DIR is framing the service as part of Texas’ broader push toward digital government, citing House Bill 5195 and declines in statewide print and mail volume.

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A Guide for Texas Agencies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in government is accelerating, driven by pressure to improve service delivery, expand self-service and meet rising constituent expectations. But AI does not create maturity. Rather, it amplifies what already exists. Without strong content governance, AI introduces new risk rather than new value.

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Overview