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Chandler Treon

Chandler Treon is an Austin-based staff writer. He has a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in literature and a master’s degree in technical communication, all from Texas State University.

  • The TxDMV logo against a white background.
    News
    TxDMV Votes to Tighten Registration ID Requirements
    What to Know:
    • TxDMV adopted Chapter 217 amendments that tighten identification requirements for certain vehicle registrations.
    • Renewal-related provisions are delayed to Jan. 1, 2027, to update internal systems and programming.
    • The rule rollout is landing as TxDMV pushes its Registration and Title System Modernization project.
    Insider
    February 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • drawings on a chalkboard of a big lightbulb and other ideas around it
    News
    NCTCOG Opens Call for Transportation Technology Project Ideas
    What to Know:
    • Public-sector agencies in NCTCOG’s 12-county metropolitan planning area can submit project ideas.
    • Ideas must align with roadway safety technologies, food desert elimination, delivery bots and drones, next-generation traffic signals, or autonomous shuttles.
    • For selected projects, NCTCOG says it will lead regional procurement on behalf of local agencies.
    Insider
    February 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Looking over the shoulder of a law enforcement officer standing on the side of a road holding up a radar gun to measure the speed of the cars driving by.
    News
    Paxton Opinion Halts Automated Speed Enforcement
    What to Know:
    • The attorney general concluded Texas law does not authorize constables to issue speeding citations by mail using automated camera or lidar systems.
    • Under Chapter 543 of the Transportation Code, a speeding citation must follow an officer detention or arrest.
    • Any expansion of automated speed enforcement at the county level would require express authorization from the Legislature.
    Insider
    February 12, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Capitol building in Austin.
    News
    Sandy Russell Joins NTT DATA as Senior Account Executive
    What to Know:
    • Sandy Russell has joined NTT DATA North America as senior account executive for state, local and education business in Texas.
    • She brings experience across SLED, higher education and enterprise technology, with prior roles at Precisely, Oracle and Intel Security.
    • Russell said she is focused on helping Texas agencies modernize while maintaining secure and reliable infrastructure amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
    Insider
    February 12, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • shutterstock_website design
    News
    DIR Launches Website Modernization Hub for State Agencies
    What to Know:
    • DIR has launched a new website modernization webpage that centralizes resources for state agencies and institutions of higher education.
    • Information collected from agencies through a statewide technology review will be used by DIR to help report on digital modernization efforts required by House Bill 5195.
    • That bill requires DIR to report to the Legislature on the status of state agencies’ digital modernization efforts.
    Insider
    February 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Dallas College
    News
    Dallas College Names Michael Anderson as CISO
    What to Know:
    • Dallas College has named Michael Anderson as its new chief information security officer.
    • Anderson said his focus will include digital and IT transformation, with an emphasis on the convergence of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
    • He brings more than 27 years of technology and cybersecurity leadership experience, including prior senior roles in public-sector education and local government.
    Insider
    February 06, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Cyber Security Operations New Jersey
    News
    DIR Prepares Security Operations Solicitation for Shared Technology Services
    What to Know:
    • DIR plans to issue a solicitation for security operations services supporting its Shared Technology Services program.
    • The forthcoming RFO will seek a vendor to manage, modernize and evolve SecOps services across DIR’s data center environments.
    • Vendors will be expected to integrate with DIR’s existing Shared Technology Services environment and coordinate with other service component providers.
    Insider
    February 06, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Wendy Barron - Banner.jpg
    News
    TxDMV CIO Talks Digital Transformation and the Future of Vehicle Services
    Wendy Barron, who has led IT for the department since 2021, discusses high-level priorities, personal preferences and how a major modernization project will drive procurement in the next year in an exclusive interview — now with video and text.
    Insider
    February 05, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Closeup of a person working on the inside of a computer.
    News
    DIR Prepares Cooperative Contract for End-User IT Hardware
    What to Know:
    • DIR plans to issue a cooperative contract solicitation for desktops, laptops, tablets and related hardware, software and services used by state and local entities.
    • The forthcoming RFO is expected to move away from branded contracts and may result in one or more indefinite quantity awards with no purchase minimums.
    • Manufacturers and resellers will be eligible to respond, with software and services offered in conjunction with hardware.
    Insider
    February 05, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • People sitting and standing in groups on grass next to a bridge in Austin.
    News
    City of Austin Proposes $2M Contract to Expand Park Surveillance
    What to Know:
    • Austin City Council is considering a $2 million contract to expand mobile surveillance trailers in public parks.
    • City staff say a pilot launched in 2022 reduced crime, particularly vehicle burglaries in park parking lots.
    • The proposed system would exclude facial recognition and audio capture, with city-owned video deleted after 60 days.
    Insider
    February 03, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • new_new_DIR Logo 1.png
    News
    Texas Launches Search for New State Chief Information Officer
    What to Know:
    • DIR is seeking a new executive director, who also serves as Texas’ state chief information officer, with applications due Feb. 27.
    • The search follows the departures of former state CIO Amanda Crawford and Deputy Executive Director Steve Pier.
    • The executive director leads statewide IT strategy, major procurements and shared services for an agency of about 325 employees.
    Insider
    February 03, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person seated at a table wearing headphones smiles and waves at a person on their laptop as part of a virtual meeting.
    News
    Texas Opens AI Training Program Certification Process to Vendors
    What to Know:
    • DIR is now accepting vendor applications to certify AI training programs for use by Texas government employees.
    • Starting in FY 2026, annual AI training will be mandatory for most state and local government workers under House Bill 3512.
    • Certified programs must meet seven standards focused on responsible AI use, risk mitigation, accessibility and relevance to public-sector work.
    Insider
    January 30, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • businessman hand working with modern digital tablet computer in modern office with virtual icon diagram
    News
    DFPS Outlines Broad Tech Modernization in 2026 Strategic Plan
    What to Know:
    • DFPS is replacing its legacy IMPACT system with a federally compliant case management platform, supported by business process redesign and expected to improve data quality and usability.
    • The agency is piloting generative AI and developing an AI governance framework, with more than 75 use cases identified and an evaluation report due in early 2026.
    • New systems such as SEMARC and CGMS aim to streamline interagency background checks and contract oversight, while a Data Governance Program will guide data accuracy and security across DFPS.
    Insider
    January 30, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • houston2
    News
    Houston Council Approves Tech Upgrades and Legal Settlement
    What to Know:
    • Houston approved more than $1.6 million in tech-related contracts, including SAP system upgrades and airport navigation system services.
    • Precision Task Group Inc. was awarded a $435,000 contract to support enhancements to the city’s enterprise service management system.
    • A $2.6 million legal settlement with EPI-USE America Inc. closed out a lawsuit tied to prior SAP-related services.
    Insider
    January 29, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A hand in the foreground holding holographic images of cogs, a laptop and a wrench. In the background are rows of servers in a data center.
    News
    UT Seeks Advisory Partner for Automation Strategy
    What to Know:
    • The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a strategic advisory partner to guide the integration of automation and robotics in its new academic medical center.
    • The RFQ focuses on early-stage planning and design readiness with a near-term need to define workflows for robotic material transport.
    • The selected firm will help develop an automation road map, functional requirements and procurement-ready documentation to support future design and vendor selection.
    Insider
    January 29, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • gold bars rising from a shiny black floor like a cityscape on a blue background
    News
    Texas Explores Digital Payments Backed by Gold and Silver
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Comptroller is seeking industry input on a digital payment system backed by gold or silver stored in the state’s bullion depository.
    • The system must comply with constitutional limits on state-issued currency and may involve digital tokens or other technologies.
    • The RFI requests input on system architecture, settlement workflows, regulatory compliance and public-private partnership models.
    Insider
    January 27, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A circuit board overlayed on the Chinese flag.
    News
    Governor Expands Texas’ Ban on Foreign-Linked Technologies
    What to Know:
    • The list targets AI firms, hardware makers and apps linked to the Chinese government and other foreign adversaries.
    • Newly banned companies include AI developers such as SenseTime, iFLYTEK and Yitu, alongside major tech and hardware providers such as Alibaba, Baidu, TP-Link and DJI.
    • Texas Cyber Command is now the lead agency for identifying and assessing tech threats, with enforcement support from DIR and the Department of Public Safety.
    Insider
    January 27, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas Tech University Logo Phone.png
    News
    Texas Tech Awarded $12M for Semiconductor Cleanroom Facility
    What to Know:
    • Texas Tech University’s grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund will help build a nanotechnology cleanroom facility in Lubbock.
    • The project supports advanced semiconductor research and hands-on workforce training through the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering.
    • The award is part of a broader effort under the Texas CHIPS Act to expand semiconductor research and technician training statewide.
    Insider
    January 23, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Elevated broadband lines in a rural area.
    News
    Lower Colorado River Authority Wins $29M for Broadband, Flood Monitoring
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Broadband Development Office awarded the funds to expand rural broadband and flood-monitoring infrastructure.
    • The project will improve ISP access to LCRA’s fiber network, upgrade flood-monitoring sites and extend fiber into underserved Central Texas communities.
    • This grant follows Texas’ $1.27 billion BEAD plan approval and supports dual goals of digital equity and public safety.
    Insider
    January 23, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • new_new_DIR Logo 1.png
    News
    Michael Myers Joins DIR as Director of Digital Transformation
    What to Know:
    • Myers spent nearly 14 years at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    • He announced the move in a LinkedIn post, where he expressed gratitude for mentors and emphasized a continued commitment to public service.
    • Myers joins DIR during a leadership transition, with Amanda Crawford appointed insurance commissioner and Tony Sauerhoff now serving as interim CIO.
    Insider
    January 22, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A freeway overpass with technology displays overlayed on the image.
    News
    TxDOT's 2026 Spending Plan Includes Nearly $400M for IT
    What to Know:
    • TxDOT’s 2026-2027 budget includes $394 million for IT modernization, cybersecurity and connected infrastructure.
    • Capital funding supports facility upgrades and embedded tech to improve operations and data collection.
    • Recent AI strategy shifts TxDOT from pilot projects to agencywide deployments in automation and analytics.
    Insider
    January 22, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Digital illustration of a hand moving markers on a map from point A to point B
    News
    TxDOT Transforms AI Strategy Into Agencywide Implementation
    What to Know:
    • TxDOT has completed more than a dozen AI projects and is actively developing more than 20 others, with 200-plus use cases identified.
    • The updated plan aligns with new state law and introduces a formal scoring system to prioritize AI initiatives based on readiness, risk and impact.
    • Key deployments include automated invoice processing, traffic incident detection and the rollout of generative AI tools to staff.
    Insider
    January 20, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • online training
    News
    Texas Formalizes Certification Standards for AI Training Programs
    What to Know:
    • AI training will be mandatory for state and local government employees starting in FY 2026 under House Bill 3512.
    • DIR will certify at least five training programs that meet new criteria focused on responsible AI use, risk mitigation and accessibility.
    • Submission guidance is expected by the end of January.
    Insider
    January 20, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Health and Human Services logo superimposed in front of the agency's building.
    News
    Texas HHS Signals Stricter Procurement Standards
    What to Know:
    • Texas HHS is requiring secure, accessible and interoperable technology solutions, with upfront compliance on cybersecurity and Section 508 accessibility standards.
    • Vendors using AI must follow strict state guidelines, including bans on using HHS data for training and expectations to share cost efficiencies.
    • HHS is in the early stages of a 10-year modernization plan and is preparing to request funding from the Legislature for upcoming projects.
    Insider
    January 15, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Blue-tone image of a security camera in a public place.
    News
    Sugar Land Approves $2.8 Million in Public Safety Tech Upgrades
    What to Know:
    • Sugar Land City Council approved $2.8 million for autonomous drones, real-time crime center software and expanded license plate recognition cameras.
    • Axon Enterprises will provide two drones and FUSUS software subscription under a $594,000 contract.
    • Flock Group’s LPR camera contract was amended to add two cameras and consolidate leases, raising the total contract value to $2.3 million.
    Insider
    January 15, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • View of downtown Austin, Texas
    News
    Tony Sauerhoff Named DIR Interim Executive Director and State CIO
    What to Know:
    • Sauerhoff previously served as DIR’s chief AI and innovation officer and was recently named president of the GovRAMP Board.
    • He succeeds Amanda Crawford, who was named as head of the Texas Department of Insurance.
    • Steve Pier, DIR’s deputy executive director, was recently appointed to lead the Texas Workforce Commission.
    January 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Dustin Haisler, Amanda Crawford, Steve Pier.png
    News
    DIR Deputy Director Steve Pier Named Head of Workforce Commission
    What to Know:
    • DIR Deputy Executive Director Steve Pier has been appointed executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission.
    • Pier's move comes amid broader leadership changes at DIR, including the departure of Executive Director Amanda Crawford.
    • At DIR, Pier has played a key role in agencywide initiatives, including government relations, risk management and strategic planning.
    Insider
    January 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A shopping cart made of bright red lines surrounded by bright red and blue lines like a data highway. Dark background.
    News
    Texas DIR Ends Branded Contracts to Open Vendor Access
    What to Know:
    • Texas DIR will no longer award cooperative contracts based on specific brands, focusing instead on solutions and specifications.
    • The new model is intended to increase vendor competition, reduce brand lock-in and improve pricing for agencies.
    • Vendors can still submit offers if their products meet the functional requirements outlined in future solicitations.
    Insider
    January 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Consultant
    News
    Former Texas Court CIO Casey Kennedy Joins Mission Critical Partners
    What to Know:
    • Casey Kennedy, former CIO of the Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA), has joined Mission Critical Partners as a project manager.
    • He brings more than 30 years of IT and public-sector experience, including 15 years leading statewide judicial technology initiatives.
    • Texas OCA has not named his replacement as of this writing.
    Insider
    January 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas State Technical College.png
    News
    Texas State Technical College Wins $3.5M for Semiconductor Training
    What to Know:
    • Texas State Technical College will receive $3.5 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to expand its Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program in Hutto.
    • The program will prepare students for semiconductor fabrication careers in just 10 weeks, with training in wafer processing, gas control systems and cleanroom environments.
    • This is the latest in a series of awards issued under the Texas CHIPS Act to grow the state’s semiconductor workforce and infrastructure.
    Insider
    January 09, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
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