California is putting together a Blockchain Workgroup designed to evaluate the risks, benefits, and use-cases of blockchain technology – and is soliciting interest from individuals from a wide range of industries.

Wanted: California Blockchain Experts and Enthusiasts

Californians with a vested interest in the state’s policy regarding blockchain technology now have an opportunity to play a direct role in shaping that policy. The state’s Government Operations Agency (CalGovOps) is putting together a Blockchain Workgroup in order to evaluate the risks, benefits, and legal implications of the use of blockchain technology by government agencies and California-based businesses.

📢GovOps is forming a California Blockchain Workgroup! Are you interested in helping California explore the potential uses of blockchain? ➕Risks, benefits, and other implications!? Submit an interest form by April 26th and help us spread the word! https://t.co/MM2hEmWzGp pic.twitter.com/7Nlu63Be9c — CA Gov Ops (@CAGovOps) April 10, 2019

Specifically, they are looking for experts from a wide range of fields, including technology, business, government, law, and public and private information security.

Legislation calling for the creation of the Blockchain Workgroup was passed in January of this year. It specifies that the workgroup participants must be appointed, and a chairperson designated, on or before July 1, 2019. In addition, the required makeup of the workgroup is very specific and must include:

3 appointees from the IT industry

3 appointees from non-technology related industries

3 appointees with a legal background

2 appointees from privacy organizations

2 appointees from consumer organizations

The State Chief Information Officer*

The Director of Finance*

The chief information officers of three other state agencies, departments, or commissions

1 member of the state Senate (appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules)

1 member of the state Assembly (appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly)

* Or his/her designee

If you are interested in being considered for a seat on the Blockchain Workgroup, the deadline to submit your indication of interest is April 26, 2019.

Jumping on the Blockchain Bandwagon

California isn’t the only state to establish a blockchain task force. On February 11, 2019, Florida state representative David Santiago introduced a similar bill that would create a working group similar to that of California’s. Although currently still under review, if the Florida bill passes, it, like California, would join the growing ranks of states that have formed blockchain task forces, including:

Connecticut

Hawaii

Illinois

New Jersey

New York

Wyoming

What are your thoughts on California’s planned Blockchain Workgroup? Who do you think should be on it? Let us know in the comments below.

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