Brief Description: Creating a task force to study streamlining state information services.

Sponsors: Representatives Ericks, Morris, O'Brien and Ormsby.

Hearing Date: 2/21/07

Staff: Scott Richards (786-7156).

Background:

Department of Information Services (DIS)
The DIS provides for coordinated planning and management of state information services. The DIS primarily receives direction from the Governor, Legislature, and the Information Services Board (ISB). The ISB is responsible for the development of information technology (IT) policies for the state. The DIS receives input from its Customer Advisory Board (CAB), which meets monthly and generally consists of agency Chief Information Officers and other agency IT staff.

The DIS performs all duties delegated by the ISB including the following:

• review of agency IT portfolios;
• implementation of statewide and interagency policies and standards;
• make available information services to state agencies, local government and public benefit non-profits on a cost-recovery basis;
• establish rates and fees for services provided by DIS to ensure that the services component of the DIS is self-supporting;
• develop a state strategic IT plan and performance reports in consultation with ISB and other agencies;
• develop plans for the DIS to achieve goals and objectives in the state strategic IT plan, including seeking the advice of the ISB and the CAB;
• develop training plans for agencies under the direction of the ISB and in collaboration with department of Personnel;
• assess agencies' projects, acquisitions, plans, IT portfolios, or overall information processing performance as requested by the ISB, Office of Financial Management (OFM), or the Legislature;
• develop planning, budgeting, and expenditure reporting requirements for agencies to follow;
• assist OFM with budgetary and policy review of agency plans for information services;
• provide staff support to the ISB; and
• act as the lead agency in coordinating video telecommunications services for all state agencies and developing standards for equipment.

Information Services Board (ISB)
The ISB provides oversight and management for large information technology projects administered by executive branch agency staff. The ISB is administered by a 15 member board of directors.

The duties of the ISB are as follows:

• develop standards governing acquisition and disposition of equipment, software, and purchased services by or on behalf of state agencies;
• purchase, lease, rent, maintain or dispose of equipment, software, or services;
• develop statewide policies, standards and procedures regarding information technology (IT);
• review and approve standards and specifications for new or expanded telecommunications networks proposed by agencies or educational service districts or entities; and
• provide direction for the state concerning strategic planning for IT.

Streamlining Technology and Energy Project
During the 2006 interim, the Technology, Energy and Communications (TEC) Committee conducted research and surveyed state-based technology and energy entities to answer some fundamental questions about how these entities perform their statutory mission, set policies and priorities, fund operations and measure performance. The TEC Committee undertook this project with the goal to provide more focus and efficient use of resources by centralizing missions and reducing administrative overhead of relevant entities.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that state agencies do not always use the services offered by the DIS, resulting in a lack of appropriate coordination, redundant systems, incompatible systems or data, and multiple computer platforms. Additionally, the Legislature finds that opportunities are being missed to leverage the purchasing power of the DIS to drive down the cost of securing information services.

The TEC Committee studied streamlining state government in the technology and energy areas during the 2006 interim. The study found that state agencies use an increasing variety of information services and technologies, leading to inefficient use of state resources and fragmented authority over important information technology decisions.

Joint Legislative Task Force
A joint legislative task force (task force) on streamlining state information services is established to review a statewide information services strategy; develop a process to strengthen the mandate of the DIS in acquiring information services; leverage the purchasing power of DIS to drive down the cost of securing information services; and strengthen the role of the ISB in enhancing the utilization of services offered by DIS.

Members of the task force include:

• four members from each of the two largest caucuses of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;
• four members from each of the two largest caucuses of the House of Representatives. At least one member from each caucus must be a member of the TEC Committee;
• two members representing local government and public benefit nonprofit corporations who utilize the services of DIS. The President and the Speaker shall jointly appoint these members;
• two members appointed by the Governor: the Director of DIS, and a member of the ISB.

In addition, the DIS shall maintain a liaison representative, who shall be a nonvoting member. The DIS shall provide information as the co-Chairs may reasonably request. The task force shall consult other state agencies and individuals from the private sector with expertise in this area as necessary to carry out the mission of the task force.

The task force shall choose its co-Chairs from among its legislative membership. The Chair of the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee shall convene the initial meeting of the task force.

The task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2007. This task force expires December 31, 2007.

Staff support for the task force shall be provided by the Senate Committee Services and the House Office of Program Research.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 18, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.