TAI Announces 2026 State and Federal Policy⁣ Priorities

The Technology ‍Association of Iowa ​(TAI) unveiled its ​state ​and federal policy priorities for ⁢2026 on December 22, 2025,​ ahead of⁤ the upcoming Iowa legislative session. These priorities, developed in collaboration with TAI’s Public Policy Committee, will ⁣serve as the‌ guiding principles for the association’s ⁢advocacy efforts throughout the year.

“We are excited ⁤to advance policies that‌ fuel innovation, growth and opportunity‌ for Iowa’s economy,” stated ⁢Brian Waller, president of the Technology Association ‍of Iowa, in a press release. “Our 2026 ‍priorities focus on ‌critical areas,⁢ including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data privacy, while also supporting initiatives​ that prepare students for future-ready careers and ‍expand access to opportunity for all Iowans. By working collaboratively across industries and communities,​ we are committed to positioning iowa as a leader in ⁢technology and innovation.”

2026 State Policy Priorities

TAI’s⁤ state policy priorities for 2026 center around several key ​areas designed to bolster Iowa’s technology sector. These include:

• Artificial Intelligence: ‍ The association aims to empower Iowa businesses to responsibly develop and deploy artificial intelligence technologies by promoting safe and ethical ‌practices. This includes exploring potential ⁢regulatory‌ frameworks and incentives for ‌AI innovation.
• Cybersecurity: Recognizing the growing threat landscape, TAI ‍will advocate for policies that strengthen Iowa’s cybersecurity infrastructure and protect businesses and ‌citizens from cyberattacks.
• Data Privacy: TAI will focus on establishing clear and thorough ‍data privacy regulations that balance ⁤the need for‌ innovation with the protection⁣ of⁤ individual rights.
• Future-ready Workforce: The association will champion initiatives that prepare students for careers in the technology sector, ‍including⁢ investments in STEM education and workforce training programs.
• Broadband‌ Access: expanding access to reliable broadband internet is crucial for economic development and⁤ digital inclusion. TAI will advocate for policies that promote broadband deployment, particularly in underserved areas.

Federal ⁢policy Priorities

While details on the federal priorities​ were ‍not immediately available in the source material, TAI’s federal advocacy will likely complement ‍its state efforts, ‌focusing on⁤ issues such as federal funding for technology initiatives, national cybersecurity standards, and data privacy regulations.