Madyson Fitzgerald
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maddyfitz.bsky.social
Madyson Fitzgerald
@maddyfitz.bsky.social
rva + philly | former rugby player | she/her | newsletters + social media + tech policy news + etc at @stateline.org and @statesnewsroom.com
ICYMI: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed an artificial intelligence “bill of rights” to stymie unfettered AI growth.

The legislative proposals come in sharp contrast to the pro-tech push marking President Donald Trump’s second term.

via @floridaphoenix.com

floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/04/a...
'Age of darkness and deceit': DeSantis proposes 'AI bill of rights' in crack down • Florida Phoenix
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday an artificial intelligence "bill of rights" to stymie unfettered AI growth, crack down on sexual AI chatbots, and restrict AI data centers in Florida.
floridaphoenix.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
A law set to take effect tomorrow gives Texans the power to sue anyone involved in mailing abortion pills to the state, from drug companies to doctors. HB7 is the latest attempt to test shield laws.
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shie...
Shield laws have held up so far, but a new anti-abortion Texas statute means to test them
A law set to take effect in early December gives Texans the power to sue anyone involved in mailing abortion pills to the state, from drug companies to doctors. Whether Texas’ statute can puncture oth...
www.newsfromthestates.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:27 PM
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Donate • Stateline
Stateline is a nonprofit news operation that depends on support from people like you to produce high-quality journalism without advertising, subscription fees or paywalls.
stateline.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8UHUXke/... I am looking to interview people who have sought health care at crisis pregnancy centers, intentionally or unintentionally, and want to talk about their experience. If you or someone you know might be interested, please email or DM #pregnant #news #trending #healthcare
December 1, 2025 at 10:29 PM
BEAD in ND: North Dakota is on track to become the first state in the nation with high-speed internet access in 100% of the state by 2028.

via @northdakotamonitor.com

northdakotamonitor.com/2025/12/01/n...
North Dakota on track to be first in nation with 100% broadband internet access • North Dakota Monitor
North Dakota is on schedule to have high-speed internet access in 100% of the state by 2028 thanks to recently approved federal funding.
northdakotamonitor.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
From @jonshorman.bsky.social: Four Republican states have agreed to help the Trump administration gain access to state driver’s license data through a nationwide law enforcement computer network as part of the administration’s hunt for alleged noncitizen voters.

stateline.org/2025/12/01/4...
4 Republican states will help Homeland Security obtain driver’s license records • Stateline
Four Republican states have agreed to help the Trump administration gain access to state driver’s license data through a nationwide law enforcement computer network as part of the administration’s hun...
stateline.org
December 2, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Washington state lawmakers next year hope to rein in law enforcements’ use of automated license plate readers amid revelations federal immigration authorities are using the data.

via @washingtonstatestandard.com

washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/12/01/w...
Washington lawmakers want to regulate license plate readers • Washington State Standard
Washington state lawmakers next year hope to rein in law enforcements’ use of automated license plate readers.
washingtonstatestandard.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
📣 Last week, we kicked off Stateline’s year-end fundraising drive. Between now and Dec. 31, we’re looking for 100 donors to power our nonprofit newsroom into the new year.

Your donation supports trusted and essential reporting. Consider giving today: https://stateline.org/donate/
Donate • Stateline
Stateline is a nonprofit news operation that depends on support from people like you to produce high-quality journalism without advertising, subscription fees or paywalls.
stateline.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
From Amanda Watford: Police clearance rates are among the most commonly cited measures of how effectively law enforcement solves crimes — but what do they really mean?

https://stateline.org/2025/11/24/why-clearance-rates-dont-tell-the-whole-story-about-solving-crimes/
Why ‘clearance rates’ don’t tell the whole story about solving crimes • Stateline
Police departments’ “clearance rates” — the percentage of cases they declare closed — are one of the most widely cited benchmarks for how effectively they combat crime. But the figures can be confusing — and in some cases misleading.
stateline.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:42 PM
From @acvollers.bsky.social + @stateline.org: Businesses and nonprofits have launched AI-powered tools to help patients get their insurance claims paid and navigate medical bills.

stateline.org/2025/11/20/p...
AI vs. AI: Patients deploy bots to battle health insurers that deny care • Stateline
As states strive to curb health insurers’ use of artificial intelligence, patients and doctors are arming themselves with AI tools to fight claims denials, prior authorizations and soaring medical bil...
stateline.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Health care is becoming a battle of the bots: As insurers use algorithms to cut costs, patients are using AI to push back against denied claims and soaring medical bills, Anna Claire Vollers reports.

https://stateline.org/2025/11/20/patients-deploy-bots-to-battle-health-insurers-that-deny-care/
AI vs. AI: Patients deploy bots to battle health insurers that deny care • Stateline
As states strive to curb health insurers’ use of artificial intelligence, patients and doctors are arming themselves with AI tools to fight claims denials, prior authorizations and soaring medical bills.
stateline.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
ICYMI: North Carolina published statewide digital skills standards last month that identify key knowledge and abilities for residents and will soon launch an online course, joining a number of states that are hoping to strengthen digital literacy.

stateline.org/2025/11/17/n...
North Carolina becomes latest state to offer residents help with online skills • Stateline
North Carolina published statewide digital skills standards last month that identify key knowledge and abilities for residents and will soon launch an online course, joining a number of states that ar...
stateline.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
More data centers are being built nationwide to meet the demand for digital services, including power-hungry artificial intelligence systems.

In my latest for @stateline.org, I spoke with local leaders and advocates who want more say on where and how data centers are built in their communities.
November 17, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
From Madyson Fitzgerald: While some state lawmakers are pushing legislation that would accelerate data center development, local communities across the country are taking steps to ensure they have a say.

https://stateline.org/2025/11/17/data-center-growth-drives-locals-to-fight-for-more-say/
Data center growth drives locals to fight for more say • Stateline
Even as some state lawmakers are rushing to pass legislation that would accelerate the development of data center infrastructure, communities across the country are taking steps to ensure they have a say in where and how data centers are built.
stateline.org
November 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
AI in OH: An Ohio state lawmaker wants to ensure people, businesses or developers are held accountable for what they do with artificial intelligence.

In effect, his bill aims to outlaw “it wasn’t me, the AI did it” as a legal defense. (@ohiocapitaljournal.com)
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/11/17/w...
What's in Ohio's proposal banning AI personhood • Ohio Capital Journal
An Ohio state lawmaker is trying to ensure people, businesses or developers are held accountable for what they do with artificial intelligence. In effect, his bill aims to outlaw “it wasn’t me, the AI...
ohiocapitaljournal.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:23 PM
end of fall (my kodak ektar h35)
November 16, 2025 at 5:50 PM
From @pluribusnews.bsky.social: State lawmakers and advocates are preparing a legislative blitz in 2026 targeting AI chatbots.

pluribusnews.com/news-and-eve...
Legislators prepare ’26 blitz on AI chatbot regulations – Pluribus News
pluribusnews.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
A year out from the 2026 midterm elections, legal fights and procedural maneuvering over ballot measures and referendums are already well underway in states across the country, Jonathan Shorman reports.

https://stateline.org/2025/11/10/the-midterm-ballot-measure-battles-have-already-begun/
The midterm ballot measure battles have already begun • Stateline
A year out from the 2026 midterm elections, legal fights and procedural maneuvering over ballot measures and referendums are already well underway in states across the country.
stateline.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
BREAKING: Federal appeals court says full SNAP benefits must be paid for November. The Trump administration is expected to appeal.
States face uncertainty as Trump administration tries to reverse SNAP food payments
States are facing uncertainty about providing full monthly benefits for a federal food program serving 42 million Americans.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga lead this year’s Grammy nominations. See the full list of nominees ahead of next year's ceremony in February. nyti.ms/47LJRX2
November 7, 2025 at 4:50 PM
November 7, 2025 at 5:07 PM
ICYMI: Four governors are exploring fast track approval for data centers that agree to deliver dependable power to the grid as part of the connection process.

via @insideclimatenews.org

insideclimatenews.org/news/3010202...
Four Governors Whose States Rely on PJM Want Data Centers to Guarantee Their Own Power - Inside Climate News
The governors are exploring fast track approval for data centers that agree to deliver dependable power to the grid as part of the connection process.
insideclimatenews.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
"What bills will I have to skip to make sure there is food in the fridge for the kids?" said Angel Rojas at the Weld Food Bank on Monday. About 600K Coloradans, like Rojas, rely on SNAP benefits, which paused due to the federal government shutdown.
By @sarawilson.bsky.social
Colorado food banks begin work to meet increased need as SNAP benefits pause | Colorado Newsline
More Coloradans are turning to food banks for groceries as federal food assistance benefits pause during the government shutdown.
coloradonewsline.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Violence is a public health crisis among American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women. A new survey looks at traumatic brain injuries.

from @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/10/31/d...
Domestic violence in Native communities is focus of new survey • Stateline
Abigail Echo-Hawk, director of the Urban Indian Health Institute, recalled a Native mother in her 30s who started having memory loss and other dementia-like symptoms. The woman had suffered multiple b...
stateline.org
November 3, 2025 at 6:19 PM