# State CIOs Expand Technology Modernization

At NASCIO’s 2026 annual conference, state CIOs discussed AI, modernization, cybersecurity, privacy, and data infrastructure. A 2026 NASCIO survey of 51 state and territorial CIOs shows modernization widening beyond legacy IT replacement to include workforce development, digital services, enterprise operating models, and AI governance. Texas and Hawaii described active modernization priorities, while Florida’s proposed 2026 bill 480 signals a possible change to enterprise IT organization. The signals identify no specific solicitation, award, contract value, or procurement contact, but point to areas where states may develop future requirements.

- Contractors can align capabilities and market research with the cited areas: legacy-system modernization, AI policy implementation and governance, staff training, and constituent-facing digital services.
- State CIOs are weighing efficiency gains alongside privacy and data risks, making governance, cybersecurity, and privacy capabilities relevant to prospective state technology procurements.
- Florida’s bill 480 is a proposed policy signal, not a solicitation. The articles provide no procurement timeline or submission deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology, Public Safety
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR)
- Florida Legislature
- Hawaii Office of Enterprise Technology Services (OETS)

### Key Quotes
> there’s a great deal of potential that’s been passed through the technology, but governance is important so we can go fast and go safe.
> — Warren Sponholtz, Florida chief information officer

### Sources
- [Rapidfire Chats with State CIOs at NASCIO's 2026 annual conference | StateScoop](https://statescoop.com/radio/rapidfire-chats-with-state-cios-at-nascios-2026-annual-conference) - statescoop.com
- [The meaning of modernization continues to expand for CIOs - Route Fifty](https://www.route-fifty.com/management/2026/09/meaning-modernization-continues-expand-cios/416344) - Route Fifty