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
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
With data centers expected to become the largest source of electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest, Washington legislators are pressing ahead with a bill aimed at protecting the grid and offsetting potential hikes for utility ratepayers. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/h...
How WA lawmakers are trying to regulate data centers • Washington State Standard
Washington legislators advanced data center legislation out of the House Appropriations Committee Monday with two significant changes.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:51 PM
With data centers expected to become the largest source of electricity demand in the Pacific Northwest, Washington legislators are pressing ahead with a bill aimed at protecting the grid and offsetting potential hikes for utility ratepayers. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/h...
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden vetoed a bill that would have effectively banned lab-grown meat in the state, but also suggested a moratorium on the products as a compromise approach. (@southdakotasearchlight.com)
southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/09/g...
southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/09/g...
Governor vetoes bill that would ban lab-grown meat, but says he’d support a moratorium • South Dakota Searchlight
Rhoden proposed a compromise of a five-year ban on lab-grown meat products to allow the state time to study the product.
southdakotasearchlight.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:11 PM
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden vetoed a bill that would have effectively banned lab-grown meat in the state, but also suggested a moratorium on the products as a compromise approach. (@southdakotasearchlight.com)
southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/09/g...
southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/09/g...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
The Sermon on the Mount, by Beryl Lewis, before 1965, 📸 by @ScottStrazzante
February 9, 2026 at 2:16 AM
The Sermon on the Mount, by Beryl Lewis, before 1965, 📸 by @ScottStrazzante
just a stellar headline really
A Jackson lawmaker is proposing a uniform method to round cash payments as the disappearing penny begins to create a coinage conundrum at the cash register.
Rep. Mike Yin's bill would set rules for rounding cash transactions — half up and half down — when change is unavailable.
Rep. Mike Yin's bill would set rules for rounding cash transactions — half up and half down — when change is unavailable.
Bill would resolve penny conundrum in Wyoming after feds stop making cents - WyoFile
A uniform method of rounding cash payments – half up and half down – is proposed when exact change is not available.
wyofile.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:07 PM
just a stellar headline really
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers.
https://stateline.org/2026/02/05/with-electricity-bills-rising-some-states-consider-new-data-center-laws/
https://stateline.org/2026/02/05/with-electricity-bills-rising-some-states-consider-new-data-center-laws/
With electricity bills rising, some states consider new data center laws • Stateline
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers.
stateline.org
February 5, 2026 at 1:20 PM
As Americans grow increasingly frustrated over their electricity bills, states are trying to keep the nation’s growing number of data centers from causing higher energy costs for consumers.
https://stateline.org/2026/02/05/with-electricity-bills-rising-some-states-consider-new-data-center-laws/
https://stateline.org/2026/02/05/with-electricity-bills-rising-some-states-consider-new-data-center-laws/
The Washington Senate passed legislation that would regulate the use of automated license plate readers amid concerns over federal immigration agents accessing data the devices collect.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/04/w...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/04/w...
WA Senate OKs guardrails for license plate readers • Washington State Standard
Legislation to regulate the use of automated license plate readers passed the Washington state Senate on Wednesday.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:22 PM
The Washington Senate passed legislation that would regulate the use of automated license plate readers amid concerns over federal immigration agents accessing data the devices collect.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/04/w...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/04/w...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
NEW: Two years after ProPublica first documented the state’s dire shortage of guardians — and the substandard care some provide — lawmakers are pitching a $15 million-per-year fix.
It’s unclear whether the law has the governor’s support.
It’s unclear whether the law has the governor’s support.
We Found New York’s Guardianship System in Shambles. Now State Lawmakers Say They Have a Plan to Help Fix It.
Two years after ProPublica first documented the state’s dire shortage of guardians — and the substandard care some provide — lawmakers are pitching a $15 million-per-year fix. It’s unclear whether the...
www.propublica.org
February 4, 2026 at 1:45 PM
NEW: Two years after ProPublica first documented the state’s dire shortage of guardians — and the substandard care some provide — lawmakers are pitching a $15 million-per-year fix.
It’s unclear whether the law has the governor’s support.
It’s unclear whether the law has the governor’s support.
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Subscribe to Stateline Daily, your morning cheat sheet for the day's most important state and local policy stories from across the country.
via @stateline.org @maddyfitz.bsky.social
www.newsfromthestates.com/newsletter/s...
via @stateline.org @maddyfitz.bsky.social
www.newsfromthestates.com/newsletter/s...
Stateline Daily | News From The States
Your morning cheat sheet for the day's most important state and local policy stories from across the country.
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Subscribe to Stateline Daily, your morning cheat sheet for the day's most important state and local policy stories from across the country.
via @stateline.org @maddyfitz.bsky.social
www.newsfromthestates.com/newsletter/s...
via @stateline.org @maddyfitz.bsky.social
www.newsfromthestates.com/newsletter/s...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Recent high-profile child abuse deaths of children who had been pulled out of school have led to renewed calls for stronger homeschooling regulations, Anna Claire Vollers reports.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/29/these-kids-are-invisible-child-abuse-deaths-spur-clash-over-homeschool-regulation/
https://stateline.org/2026/01/29/these-kids-are-invisible-child-abuse-deaths-spur-clash-over-homeschool-regulation/
‘These kids are invisible’: Child abuse deaths spur clash over homeschool regulation • Stateline
Recent high-profile child abuse deaths in several states have led to renewed calls from state lawmakers for stronger homeschooling regulations.
stateline.org
January 29, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Recent high-profile child abuse deaths of children who had been pulled out of school have led to renewed calls for stronger homeschooling regulations, Anna Claire Vollers reports.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/29/these-kids-are-invisible-child-abuse-deaths-spur-clash-over-homeschool-regulation/
https://stateline.org/2026/01/29/these-kids-are-invisible-child-abuse-deaths-spur-clash-over-homeschool-regulation/
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Va. state senator is proposing a bill that would keep future data centers in industrial zones — blocking them from being built near residential areas amid growing community concern over noise, power use and local impacts.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/v...
Va. state senator seeks to keep future data centers away from residential areas • Virginia Mercury
With rising concerns over where data centers are able to be built, one bill looks to keep them in industrial areas.
virginiamercury.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Va. state senator is proposing a bill that would keep future data centers in industrial zones — blocking them from being built near residential areas amid growing community concern over noise, power use and local impacts.
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/v...
virginiamercury.com/2026/01/27/v...
My latest with @stateline.org: From divorce cases to discrimination lawsuits, AI-generated fake content can cause evidence to be dismissed and motions to be denied.
Read how state bar associations and court systems are trying to address the issue.
stateline.org/2026/01/26/a...
Read how state bar associations and court systems are trying to address the issue.
stateline.org/2026/01/26/a...
As AI-generated fake content mars legal cases, states want guardrails • Stateline
As more false quotes, fake court cases and incorrect information appear in legal documents generated by artificial intelligence, state bar associations, state court systems and national law organizati...
stateline.org
January 26, 2026 at 6:50 PM
My latest with @stateline.org: From divorce cases to discrimination lawsuits, AI-generated fake content can cause evidence to be dismissed and motions to be denied.
Read how state bar associations and court systems are trying to address the issue.
stateline.org/2026/01/26/a...
Read how state bar associations and court systems are trying to address the issue.
stateline.org/2026/01/26/a...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
From Madyson Fitzgerald: As more false quotes and fake court cases appear in legal documents generated by AI, state bar associations, court systems and national law organizations want guidance.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/26/as-ai-generated-fake-content-mars-legal-cases-states-want-guardrails/
https://stateline.org/2026/01/26/as-ai-generated-fake-content-mars-legal-cases-states-want-guardrails/
As AI-generated fake content mars legal cases, states want guardrails • Stateline
As more false quotes, fake court cases and incorrect information appear in legal documents generated by artificial intelligence, state bar associations, state court systems and national law organizations are issuing guidance on its use in the legal field. A handful of states are considering or enacting legislation to address the issue.
stateline.org
January 26, 2026 at 1:20 PM
From Madyson Fitzgerald: As more false quotes and fake court cases appear in legal documents generated by AI, state bar associations, court systems and national law organizations want guidance.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/26/as-ai-generated-fake-content-mars-legal-cases-states-want-guardrails/
https://stateline.org/2026/01/26/as-ai-generated-fake-content-mars-legal-cases-states-want-guardrails/
More AI bills: State lawmakers are scrambling to establish consumer protections as retailers increasingly use artificial intelligence-powered personalized pricing.
via @pluribusnews.bsky.social
pluribusnews.com/news-and-eve...
via @pluribusnews.bsky.social
pluribusnews.com/news-and-eve...
States move to curb AI-driven ‘surveillance pricing’ – Pluribus News
pluribusnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:28 PM
More AI bills: State lawmakers are scrambling to establish consumer protections as retailers increasingly use artificial intelligence-powered personalized pricing.
via @pluribusnews.bsky.social
pluribusnews.com/news-and-eve...
via @pluribusnews.bsky.social
pluribusnews.com/news-and-eve...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Don't miss our recent episode of Stories From The States for a check in on how some communities are holding ICE accountable.
@minnesotareformer.com @vecindarios901.bsky.social
#FairFearlessFree #LocalJournalism
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/keep...
@minnesotareformer.com @vecindarios901.bsky.social
#FairFearlessFree #LocalJournalism
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/keep...
Keeping ICE in check, how Memphis and Minneapolis are doing it | News From The States
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Don't miss our recent episode of Stories From The States for a check in on how some communities are holding ICE accountable.
@minnesotareformer.com @vecindarios901.bsky.social
#FairFearlessFree #LocalJournalism
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/keep...
@minnesotareformer.com @vecindarios901.bsky.social
#FairFearlessFree #LocalJournalism
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/keep...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
From Shalina Chatlani: States are passing laws to prevent AI chatbots from being able to offer mental health advice to young users, following a trend of people harming themselves after seeking help.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/15/ai-therapy-chatbots-draw-new-oversight-as-suicides-raise-alarm/
https://stateline.org/2026/01/15/ai-therapy-chatbots-draw-new-oversight-as-suicides-raise-alarm/
AI therapy chatbots draw new oversight as suicides raise alarm • Stateline
States are passing laws to prevent artificially intelligent chatbots, such as ChatGPT, from being able to offer mental health advice to young users, following a trend of people harming themselves after seeking therapy from the AI programs.
stateline.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:18 PM
From Shalina Chatlani: States are passing laws to prevent AI chatbots from being able to offer mental health advice to young users, following a trend of people harming themselves after seeking help.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/15/ai-therapy-chatbots-draw-new-oversight-as-suicides-raise-alarm/
https://stateline.org/2026/01/15/ai-therapy-chatbots-draw-new-oversight-as-suicides-raise-alarm/
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Many localities have touted the economic benefits of investing in data centers. However, data center workers and local residents are pushing back against these projects.
Don't miss our recent episode of Stories From The States, which explores this issue.
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/stru...
Don't miss our recent episode of Stories From The States, which explores this issue.
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/stru...
The struggle inside and outside of data centers | News From The States
www.newsfromthestates.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Many localities have touted the economic benefits of investing in data centers. However, data center workers and local residents are pushing back against these projects.
Don't miss our recent episode of Stories From The States, which explores this issue.
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/stru...
Don't miss our recent episode of Stories From The States, which explores this issue.
www.newsfromthestates.com/episode/stru...
ICYMI: Utah is allowing AI to prescribe some drugs — the first prescriptions in the nation to be filled by a bot rather than a doctor.
www.axios.com/local/salt-l...
www.axios.com/local/salt-l...
Utah allows nation's first AI drug prescriptions
The move could shape AI regulation nationwide, but critics say bots could make bad decisions.
www.axios.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:19 PM
ICYMI: Utah is allowing AI to prescribe some drugs — the first prescriptions in the nation to be filled by a bot rather than a doctor.
www.axios.com/local/salt-l...
www.axios.com/local/salt-l...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
NJ bill targets social media companies promoting diet products to children newjerseymonitor.com/briefs/socia...
NJ bill targets social media companies promoting diet products to children • New Jersey Monitor
A bill sponsor said social media companies must have safeguards in place to protect young users from content that promotes eating disorders.
newjerseymonitor.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:34 PM
NJ bill targets social media companies promoting diet products to children newjerseymonitor.com/briefs/socia...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
NEW from @amandavhernan.bsky.social: Mothers behind bars face unique challenges — and a new prison nursery in Missouri is giving some a chance to bond with their babies.
Read more on how some mothers across the country are navigating parenting behind bars.
stateline.org/2026/01/09/t...
Read more on how some mothers across the country are navigating parenting behind bars.
stateline.org/2026/01/09/t...
'Teaching us how to grow with our babies': How prisons allow mothers and infants to nest for months • Stateline
Prison nursery programs allow babies to live behind walls with their mothers — a rare and controversial approach that forces states to confront how punishment, public safety and early childhood develo...
stateline.org
January 9, 2026 at 2:21 PM
NEW from @amandavhernan.bsky.social: Mothers behind bars face unique challenges — and a new prison nursery in Missouri is giving some a chance to bond with their babies.
Read more on how some mothers across the country are navigating parenting behind bars.
stateline.org/2026/01/09/t...
Read more on how some mothers across the country are navigating parenting behind bars.
stateline.org/2026/01/09/t...
From @themarkup.org: The California Privacy Protection Agency kicked off 2026 by launching a tool that state residents can use to make data brokers delete and stop selling their personal information.
themarkup.org/privacy/2026...
themarkup.org/privacy/2026...
How Californians can use a new state website to block hundreds of data brokers – The Markup
A tool called DROP lets California residents fill out a few forms to keep their personal data from being tracked or sold by data brokers.
themarkup.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:14 PM
From @themarkup.org: The California Privacy Protection Agency kicked off 2026 by launching a tool that state residents can use to make data brokers delete and stop selling their personal information.
themarkup.org/privacy/2026...
themarkup.org/privacy/2026...
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
After a white county in South Carolina rejected a data center, developers have sets their sights on a Black community for a proposed data center complex the size of 1,200 football fields
After a White Town Rejected a Data Center, Developers Targeted a Black Area
Four million Americans live within 1 mile of a data center. The communities closest to them are “overwhelmingly” non-white.
capitalbnews.org
January 7, 2026 at 3:01 PM
After a white county in South Carolina rejected a data center, developers have sets their sights on a Black community for a proposed data center complex the size of 1,200 football fields
It's *so* hard coming back from the holiday break.
Why not make it easier with Stateline Daily, your one-stop shop for policy news and analysis from all 50 states. Check out today's edition on our website and sign up here:
stateline.org/subscribe/
Why not make it easier with Stateline Daily, your one-stop shop for policy news and analysis from all 50 states. Check out today's edition on our website and sign up here:
stateline.org/subscribe/
January 5, 2026 at 4:48 PM
It's *so* hard coming back from the holiday break.
Why not make it easier with Stateline Daily, your one-stop shop for policy news and analysis from all 50 states. Check out today's edition on our website and sign up here:
stateline.org/subscribe/
Why not make it easier with Stateline Daily, your one-stop shop for policy news and analysis from all 50 states. Check out today's edition on our website and sign up here:
stateline.org/subscribe/
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
Nationwide, the number of freestanding birth centers doubled between 2012 and 2022, but more recently the pressures have taken a toll: About two dozen centers have closed since 2023.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/05/freestanding-birth-centers-are-closing-as-maternity-care-gaps-grow/
https://stateline.org/2026/01/05/freestanding-birth-centers-are-closing-as-maternity-care-gaps-grow/
Freestanding birth centers are closing as maternity care gaps grow • Stateline
Hospitals across the country are closing labor and delivery units, leaving many communities without nearby maternity care. Freestanding birth centers could help fill those gaps. But state regulations, low insurance payments and resistance from hospitals make it difficult for midwives to keep birth center doors open.
stateline.org
January 5, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Nationwide, the number of freestanding birth centers doubled between 2012 and 2022, but more recently the pressures have taken a toll: About two dozen centers have closed since 2023.
https://stateline.org/2026/01/05/freestanding-birth-centers-are-closing-as-maternity-care-gaps-grow/
https://stateline.org/2026/01/05/freestanding-birth-centers-are-closing-as-maternity-care-gaps-grow/
Reposted by Madyson Fitzgerald
A woman’s gender-swap experiment is sparking questions about how bias — in humans or machines — dictates who must work harder to be heard in professional spaces, online and otherwise.
Why women on LinkedIn are masquerading as men
One woman’s gender-swap experiment quadrupled her reach on the career platform, underscoring concerns about gender stereotypes and algorithmic bias.
wapo.st
December 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM
A woman’s gender-swap experiment is sparking questions about how bias — in humans or machines — dictates who must work harder to be heard in professional spaces, online and otherwise.