SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6579
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Economic Development, Trade & Innovation, February 1, 2010
Title: An act relating to improving the efficiency, accountability, and quality within state information systems.
Brief Description: Improving the efficiency, accountability, and quality within state information systems.
Sponsors: Senators Swecker, Haugen, Oemig, Rockefeller, Jacobsen, Marr, Hatfield, Eide and Fraser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 1/27/10, 2/01/10 [DPS-WM].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6579 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Kilmer and McCaslin.
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: The process for state agencies to follow in developing new information systems, and selecting appropriate computer hardware and software, is not well established in Washington. Past state efforts, including the work of the Transportation Permit Efficiency and Accountability Committee, have shown the potential for improved outcomes from comprehensive examination of issues and inclusive collaborative processes.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Information Systems Improvement Committee is created to develop recommendations for improving information technology and systems across state and local governments, and develop an action plan to build consensus and support for the recommendations. The committee will have 21 members, four from the Legislature, 12 from state agencies, and one representative each from the software industry, the hardware industry, state employees, the Association of Washington Cities, and the Washington State Association of Counties. The committee will have a technical subcommittee looking at governance and such other subcommittees as the committee determines is appropriate. The Department of Information Services (DIS) is to provide assistance and facilitation.
A final report to the Legislature and the Governor is due by September 1, 2011. In addition to recommendations and an action plan, the final report is to contain benchmarking in the areas addressed by the subcommittees. Pilot projects to test the recommendations are to be identified.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The number of subcommittees specified is reduced to one, a governance subcommittee. A representative of the Department of Natural Resources is added to the committee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2010.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This bill will bring order to chaos. Every agency operates in a silo and is fearful of change and cost overruns in a complex system. This will make our system a whole lot more efficient and more effective. This is not a study; it is how to plan. It can't be top-down; it needs to be people collaborating to meet common goals.
CON: Collaboration is the way to go but we are already doing this. We want to accelerate the process. We could work on governance.
OTHER: The employee seat on the committee should be a classified state employee.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Swecker, prime sponsor.
CON: Tony Tortorice, DIS.
OTHER: Alia Griffing, WA Federation of State Employees.