Horizon partners with Texas legislature to launch state-level tech policy fellowship
Horizon works to build technical capacity in government by helping technology experts transition into policy roles. As a D.C.-based nonprofit, most of Horizon’s work has focused on the federal level of government.
But exciting work applying AI to government operations and policymaking has also ramped up at the state level. In response, Horizon recently partnered with the Innovation & Technology (IT) Foundation and received support from the Innovation & Technology (IT) Caucus of the Texas Legislature to place fellows in key legislative offices for the 89th Texas Legislative Session (January-June 2025), bringing technical expertise to state policymakers working on AI and technology policy.
Building tech capacity in state government
State governments often struggle to access the technical talent needed to make informed decisions about emerging technologies, especially as the pace of technological change accelerates. This is particularly true of part-time legislatures such as the Texas Legislature, which meets for only 140 days in odd-numbered years. Most legislative offices maintain just 2-3 full-time staff year-round, scaling up to 6-10 during session. Very few have any background in technology.
Recognizing these challenges, the Innovation & Technology (IT) Foundation of the Texas Legislature works to deliver timely information about technological developments and potential policy responses to legislators.
The IT Foundation approached Horizon to address the scarcity of tech policy talent in the state legislature by adapting our fellowship model to the state level. Together, we designed a program to place technically skilled fellows in offices where they could make an immediate impact.
Our fellows’ accomplishments
Our fellows received training on the legislative process, regular mentorship, and networking opportunities with both legislators and industry partners.
Ryan Quandt, an economist with machine learning expertise, served with the Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee. He worked directly with committee members to identify waste, fraud, and abuse in state spending through rigorous data analysis, ultimately helping to identify malpractice by one of Texas’s largest Medicaid providers.
“The fellowship gave me a truly unique opportunity to work alongside a state legislative committee. I was able to sit at the table with the committee chair, public agency leaders, and key stakeholders, and contribute to the committee’s important work. It was humbling and exciting to have that level of involvement, and it gave me a front-row seat to how the legislative process really unfolds,” Ryan reflected.
Zac Castaneda, a computer science graduate and former AI policy intern in the Texas Legislature, worked in the office of State Representative Todd Hunter, Chairman of the Calendars Committee, where he analyzed over 300 bills and their implications for Texas’s technology ecosystem.
“Zac was a game changer to the office. He helped us train our staff on how to properly use AI in order to be more productive and work smarter. But more importantly for our missions, their support allowed us to dive into how AI can really benefit Texas’ tech, arts and economic sectors,” said Angie Flores, Chief of Staff to Chairman Todd Hunter.
Looking ahead
This partnership demonstrates that Horizon’s model of connecting technical experts with policymakers can extend beyond Washington, D.C. to empower state governments navigating the challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies.
State legislatures are increasingly at the forefront of technology policy, with over 100 AI-related policies adopted at the state level just this year. Yet they often lack the staff capacity required to understand the implications of AI and other emerging technologies. By partnering with organizations like the IT Foundation, Horizon aims to ensure that state policymakers have access to the expertise they need.
We’re grateful to the IT Foundation for their partnership and vision in launching this program, and we’re proud of Zac and Ryan for their exceptional work serving the people of Texas.
About the Texas IT Caucus
The Innovation & Technology (IT) Caucus is the Texas Legislature’s largest bipartisan caucus. Formed in 2015, the IT Caucus serves as a policy forum for members of the Texas House and Senate, aiming to inform legislators on technology issues and advance policy that ensures the next generation of technology innovation “starts, stays, and grows in Texas.”
About the Texas IT Foundation
The Innovation & Technology (IT) Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Texas policymakers with timely, nonpartisan analysis on the impact of emerging technologies. The Foundation supports the mission of the IT Caucus through research, policy expertise, and talent pipeline programs—such as the Texas Tech Policy Fellowship—to build technical capacity within state government.
About the Horizon Institute for Public Service
The Horizon Institute for Public Service is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that helps the US government navigate our era of rapid technological change by supporting the next generation of emerging technology policy talent. Horizon offers a suite of programs designed to support individuals at all career stages, from undergraduates interested in exploring policy careers to mid-career professionals seeking to pivot. These include our fellowship, workshops and events, advising, a comprehensive career resource website, and a career accelerator program designed to help individuals jump-start policy careers related to AI.
