What Does AI Policy Look Like?

State leaders are grappling with a new and exciting tool: artificial intelligence. As policymakers race to regulate the emerging industry, they can look to their fellow legislators and industry experts for guidance. Since 2019, 17 states have enacted 29 bills focused on regulating the design, development and use of AI. These bills primarily address two regulatory concerns: data privacy and accountability.

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Hot Topics in 2024

Each year brings new challenges and innovative solutions for policymakers across the country. CSG experts identified five policy areas set to make a big impact in the coming year, including workforce development and infrastructure revitalization. Learn how CSG can help research and connect leaders with state-focused solutions.

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Is Daylight Saving Time Worth Saving?

Momentum to eliminate seasonal time changes seemingly faded after receiving House approval in 2022, leaving many Americans wondering if a nationally enacted standard time will ever come. Data suggests more than 60% of the country is in favor of such a move. A growing number of bills addressing the matter have appeared in legislatures across the country in recent years. In 2023 alone, 29 states considered legislation related to daylight saving time.

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Lessons of the Legislature: Constituent Relations

Each year, newly elected state policymakers take on the monumental tasks involved with careers in public service. This year, CSG introduces a four-part series, “Lessons of the Legislature,”
designed to assist new, up-and-coming leaders in their roles. The first part of this four-part series features discussion on constituent relations.

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Meeting the Mental Health Needs of the Public Sector Workforce

Public sector workers — including civil service, public health, law enforcement and more — are essential to effective state government, as they provide important services for all residents. However, the weight of this critical work can take a heavy toll on their mental health. To address their needs, policymakers and community partners can increase access to vital supports that help state and local workforces address the unprecedented mental health crisis among government employees.

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Millions of Veterans Now Eligible for VA Health Care Without First Applying for Benefits

“These veterans will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.” – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a broad expansion of health care eligibility for Veterans and their surviving family members under the PACT Act. Effective as of March 5, 2024, millions of Veterans can enroll in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. As a result, these Veterans may start receiving health care up to eight years earlier.

Eligibility applies to Veterans as follows:

  • Those who served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan.
  • Those who served in any combat zone after 9/11.
  • Those who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty.

Veterans are not required to apply for VA disability compensation benefits in order to enroll in VA health care.

Access and Benefits under PACT Act

The PACT Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022. Since then, more than 795,235 claims have been approved under the PACT Act for over 720,945 Veterans and survivors. The VA reports a 75.2% approval rating for related claims.

How to apply for VA health care

  1. Apply online at https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction.
  2. Apply by phone at 877-222-8387 (toll-free; Mon-Fri, 8a-8p).
  3. Apply by mail (download VA Form 10-10EZ and instructions here).
  4. Apply in-person at your nearest VA medical center or clinic.

Webinar Recap: Military and Veterans Affairs regional call (February 28)

In February, CSG East convened a virtual committee meeting on Military and Veterans Affairs, attended by state legislators and staff to discuss the upcoming annual meeting and other policy issues to be addressed throughout the year.

Several important issues were raised on the call, including:

  • State leaders hope to address growing challenges in housing and environmental conditions existing on military installations, including the presence of PFAS.
  • There was also discussion around improving the enrollment process for receiving VA benefits to reduce unnecessary wait times for access to necessary care, and how state VA offices can be used as a resource.
  • Reciprocal license recognition was one area of focus requiring state collaboration, members said, which would particularly help military spouses and family members who possess occupational licenses but must move frequently between states.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and ways to improve access to care for PTSD remains a top issue.
  • Questions were also raised about the potential for property tax abatements provided to qualified disabled veterans who are unable to work.
  • Finally, amid the nationwide housing crisis, there is renewed focus on programs and organizations that can help serve – and ultimately find housing for – homeless veterans.

The CSG East Military and Veterans Affairs committee will continue to meet virtually and in-person. If you are working at the state or territorial level to address veteran’s issues, get involved by emailing staff policy analyst Joseph Shiovitz at [email protected].