Seasonal Greetings and a 2025 Recap
ModParl closes out 2025 with a practical example of AI in action, spotlighting Anguilla’s House of Assembly and its new AI-powered Hansard and legislative website. We also look back on a year of legislative modernization — from Europe to Africa and Asia.
AI in Parliaments is a Journey, Not a Switch
A conversation with Andy Williamson of the Inter-Parliamentary Union examines why adopting AI in parliaments is a gradual institutional journey. Centered on the new Maturity Framework for AI in Parliaments, the conversation explores how legislatures can assess readiness, build governance and capacity, and focus on democratic impact while learning from peer institutions.
Parliaments as Living Information Systems
A global shift is underway as AI pushes parliaments to evolve from paper-bound institutions into fully digital, adaptive information systems. This post explores why past tech waves fell short, what today’s “pacing problem” means for democracy, and how coordinated international action can drive genuine digital transformation.
A Morning of Gratitude for Hill Staff from POPVOX Foundation and CapitolStrong
POPVOX Foundation and CapitolStrong hosted a thank you event for Congressional staff, offering coffee, treats, and a visit from therapy dog Teddy. Over 100 staffers joined to recharge and connect after a busy year, highlighting the coalition’s support for the people who keep Congress running.
The Pebble and the Boulder: Five Futures for Legislatures in the Age of AI
A look at five plausible futures for legislatures in the age of AI — and why global parliamentary leaders are acting now to address the “pacing problem,” strengthen oversight, and ensure democratic institutions shape, rather than get shaped by, accelerating technology.
On Day Three: The Final Recommendations Shaping the Future of AI in Parliaments
On the final day of the Artificial Intelligence Conference in Kuala Lumpur, delegates adopted twelve early recommendations to guide responsible AI adoption in legislatures — from readiness assessments and governance frameworks to capacity-building, oversight, and shared learning across parliaments.
On Day Two: Parliaments Take Stock and Plan Next Steps on AI
The second day of the Artificial Intelligence Conference in Kuala Lumpur spotlighted early-stage experimentation, widening capacity gaps, and new tools like the IPU’s AI Maturity Framework as parliaments assess their progress and chart next steps for trustworthy AI adoption.
The Path Forward: Continuing the CAO's Legacy of Leadership
As Catherine Szpindor retires after reshaping the House’s modern infrastructure, Congress enters a high-stakes era where AI, post-Chevron demands, and decades of capacity loss make the next CAO appointment a generational decision for how effectively the institution can serve the American people.
On Day One: Are Parliaments Preparing for AI — or Being Pulled by It?
A firsthand look from Kuala Lumpur at how parliaments worldwide are grappling with the rise of AI — and whether they’re steering the technology or being swept along by it. Day one of the Artificial Intelligence Conference included global lawmakers debating future scenarios developed by the IPU and POPVOX Foundation, the urgent need to keep humans in the loop, and the promise of AI to free legislators for deeper public engagement.
POPVOX Foundation Releases Initial Findings from Departure Dialogues Project, Launches Round 2 of Data Collection
POPVOX Foundation’s new Departure Dialogues findings give Congress direct insight into how outdated laws, oversight gaps, and operational barriers affect federal agencies — and where targeted reforms can strengthen government performance. With Round 2 now open, the project offers lawmakers a scalable way to gather frontline expertise and inform smarter, modernized policymaking.
The Academic Edition
From the UK and Japan to Italy and beyond, a new wave of academic research is revealing how artificial intelligence is reshaping parliaments worldwide. The latest ModParl explores what AI means for trust, representation, and the human side of lawmaking.
POPVOX Foundation Relaunches CapitolStrong
POPVOX Foundation has relaunched CapitolStrong, a collaboration supporting Congressional staff and strengthening the institution of Congress. The CapitolStrong website now offers updated resources to help staff navigate challenges like the ongoing government shutdown.
Ways to Boost Your Intern Experience During a Government Shutdown
Just because your Congressional internship may be on hold during the government shutdown does not mean the learning and networking needs to stop! Check out some tips and helpful resources below to help you stay ahead of the curve and ready to return to the office.
When Legislators Meet AI
Inside the Athens Democracy Forum’s two-day Parliamentary Caucus on technology, trust, and the future of representation
Top 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid as a Legislative Staffer Using a GenAI LLM
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can be powerful assistants for Congressional and Parliamentary staff — but only if used correctly. This guide breaks down five common mistakes legislative professionals make when using AI for research, drafting, and casework, and offers practical tips for getting accurate, useful results while maintaining sound judgment and oversight.
On Missing Imagination
Reflections from the Athens Democracy Forum on AI, democracy, and the courage to rethink political institutions
Seeing Parliaments as Spaces and Places
This month’s Modern Parliament highlights global innovations in citizen engagement—from AI ministers and virtual parliaments to the new "Parliament as a Space and Place" guide, cookbooks, and more.
FedManager: Platform Gives Departing Feds a Voice on Bottlenecks Between Congress, Agencies
POPVOX Foundation launched a platform called “Departure Dialogues” to hear from former federal employees about the frustrations they’ve seen through their years of service, and take that knowledge to better implement policies and make government work better.
The Promise of Politics in the Age of AI
At the Global Gathering in Portugal, voices from 144 countries explored AI accountability, digital democracy, and community-driven innovation as part of a renewed vision for politics in the age of AI.
What Citizens’ Assemblies Can Teach Legislatures
As democracies grapple with declining trust, Marjan H. Ehsassi highlights the promise and pitfalls of citizens’ assemblies. Ahead of the Athens Democracy Forum, she explores how well-designed assemblies can amplify citizen voice, build social cohesion, and give legislatures political cover to tackle tough issues.