Strategies for State Tech Policy Engagement
This invitation-only virtual workshop will bring together academic researchers, think tanks, advocacy organizations, policymakers, and funders to explore how to more effectively engage in state-level work.
Co-sponsored by NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics, NYU's Center on Technology Policy, and the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
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In recent years, technology researchers primarily concentrated their policy engagement efforts at the federal level. However, this strategy will likely undergo a significant shift, with previous federal efforts turning toward the states. This pivot reflects both changes in the political landscape and a growing recognition that state legislatures have become more active in technology policy. The contrast in legislative output — with states collectively passing hundreds of technology-related bills while federal action remained limited — highlights the increasing importance of state capitals as laboratories for digital policy innovation and regulation.
Engaging with state policymakers presents unique challenges compared to federal outreach, as researchers must navigate different legislative environments, each with its own procedures, priorities, and political dynamics. Given these complexities, this event will bring together academic researchers, think tanks, advocacy organizations, policymakers, and funders to explore how to more effectively engage in state-level work.
This event is invitation-only and space is limited. Please fill out the form linked below if you're interested in attending.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
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Welcome
12:00 - 12:15 pm
Introductory remarks from Zeve Sanderson - Executive Director, NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics
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Panel #1: State Lawmakers
12:15 - 1:00 pm ET
This panel will highlight the experiences of state lawmakers working on tech policy issues. Topics include:
How do legislators leverage research in their work?
How can researchers make their work most useful to state lawmakers?
What are the major tech policy issues facing state lawmakers this year?
Panelists
Lawrence Norden - Vice President, Elections & Government, Brennan Center for Justice (moderator)
Hon. Kirk Cullimore - State Senator, Utah
Hon. Kristen Gonzalez - State Senator, New York
Additional panelists to be announced
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Panel #2: Think Tanks & Civil Society
1:00 - 1:45 pm ET
This panel will highlight the perspectives of research and advocacy organizations who have worked on state tech policy issues. Topics include:
What are the challenges and best practices for engaging state lawmakers?
How does it differ from federal policy engagement?
How do they use research in their policy advocacy?
Panelists
Scott Babwah Brennen - Director, NYU's Center on Technology Policy (moderator)
Rindala Alajaji - Legislative Activist, Electronic Frontier Foundation
Taylor Barkley - Director of Public Policy, Abundance Institute
Camille Carlton - Policy Director, Center for Humane Technology
Jonathan Mehta Stein - Board Chair, California Initiative for Technology and Democracy
Matt Scherer - Senior Policy Counsel for Workers' Rights and Technology, Center for Democracy & Technology
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Breakout Groups: Theory to Action
1:45 - 2:30 pm ET
Following the two panel discussions, we will break into groups led by experts focusing on particular parts of the policymaking process.
Breakout Group #1: Tactics and Process for State Advocacy
Led by Gowri Ramachandran (Director of Elections and Security, Brennan Center for Justice)
Breakout Group #2: Evaluating State Lawmaking in Q1 2025
Led by Scott Babwah Brennen (Director, NYU's Center on Technology Policy)
Breakout Group #3: Framing an Agenda for Policy-Relevant Research
Led by Zeve Sanderson (Executive Director, NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics)