State and local government experts will discuss the challenges and benefits of information technology and social media in government business during the American Bar Association Section of State and Local Government Law Spring Meeting 2020, to be held as an online webinar series May 19-21.
Tuesday, May 19
“Government and Transparency & Open Meetings: Is It a Meeting When No One’s in the Same Room?” — Panelists will explore government transparency laws in light of an increase use of virtual meetings.
“Electronic Communications: Navigating the Ethical Potholes” — A panel will discuss the risks associated with social media and electronic communication use and offer practical tips for navigating the ethical aspects of technology in government.
Wednesday, May 20
“Monitoring Student Social Media: Necessary for School Security or an Invasion of Privacy?” — Legislative action following the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School in Parkland, Florida, was a bill that authorized the Florida Department of Education to contract for a system that school districts in the state may use to monitor their students’ social media use. This panel will discuss the implementation and consequences of social media use of students.
“Government Employees and Social Media: Are Posts Protected Speech?” — Are employees’ First Amendment rights protected? Can a government or educational employer retaliate based on a social media post? What parameters are needed for the use of social media in the workplace? These and other questions will be discussed by a panel offering tips for the development of social media policies in the workplace.
Thursday, May 21
“Grift, Graffiti and Ransoms: Cybersecurity for State & Local Government” — This panel will explore the threats to business continuity and data security facing municipalities and other local and state governments and government agencies.
‘Emerging Technologies” — Panelists will discuss the implications of emerging technologies on government infrastructure including 5G, AI and quantum computing. Co-sponsored by the ABA Science & Technology Law Section.
A complete agenda can be found online.
