SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2638

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Government Operations, February 23, 1996

Title:  An act relating to repeal of the sunset of the department of information services.

Brief Description:  Repealing the sunset of the department of information services.

Sponsors:  Representatives Reams, H. Sommers and Dellwo; by request of Office of Financial Management and Department of Information Services.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/20/96, 2/23/96 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Goings, Hale, Heavey, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Katie Healy (786-7403)

Background:  Current law provides for the coordinated planning and management of state information services.  The state Information Services Board (ISB) was created to deal with the acquisition and disposal of equipment, software and purchased services for the state and its agencies.  The board also establishes statewide or interagency policies, standards, and procedures, and assists in planning for strategic goals and objectives for the state.  In addition, the board establishes policies for the periodic review of agencies, including the planning, management, control and use of information services, project management, and training.

The Department of Information Services (DIS) was established to carry out duties and responsibilities delegated by ISB.  DIS prepares a state strategic information technology plan which establishes a statewide mission, goals and objectives for the use of information technology.  The plan is submitted to ISB for review, modification if necessary, and approval.  DIS prepares a biennial state performance report on information technology based on agency performance reports.

When required by the Office of Financial Management (OFM), DIS evaluates agency budget requests for major information technology projects, and submits recommendations to OFM for funding such requests.  DIS establishes criteria for evaluating agency budget requests.  DIS also provides staff support from the planning component to ISB.

DIS and ISB are scheduled for termination on June 30, 1996. A sunset review of DIS and ISB was completed.  The review recommends the reauthorization of this agency and other recommendations for legislative modifications.

Summary of Bill:  The requirement that the Information Services Board and the Department of Information Services be terminated on June 30, 1996, is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Both agencies passed the sunset audit with flying colors, and the sunset provision should be repealed.  These agencies are needed.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Steve Kolodney, Director, DIS (pro); Len McComb, Chair, Information Services Board (pro).