Title: An act relating to information technology projects.

Brief Description: Regarding state purchasing of information technology projects.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter and Anderson.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/04/08, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/26/08, 2/28/08 [DP, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Kline, McDermott and Pridemore.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton.

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: The Office of Financial Management (OFM) works with the Legislature on developing fiscal notes, which detail the expected impact of bills and resolutions that may increase or decrease state government revenue or expenditures. Fiscal notes must indicate the impact for the remainder of the current biennium in which the act will take effect, as well as a cumulative forecast of the fiscal impact for the succeeding four fiscal years.

The Department of Information Systems (DIS) is a cabinet level agency that provides technology-related services to government organizations in Washington. One of the duties of DIS is to provide staff support to the Information Services Board (ISB). The ISB is comprised of 15 members who represent the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, higher education institutions, and the private sector. The ISB serves a regulatory function for technology. The ISB's policies and actions influence how state agencies proceed with information technology projects. Under current law, state agencies must develop information technology portfolios. Each agency's portfolio must include: 1) a baseline assessment of the agency's information technology resources and capabilities; 2) projects and resources required to meet the objectives of the agency's identified projects; and 3) where feasible, estimated schedules and funding required to implement the agency's identified projects.

State agencies are directed to provide a progress report to DIS regarding their information technology portfolios. Per ISB policy, agencies are required to provide this report to DIS no later than August 31 of each year. In turn, DIS is to aggregate this information and submit it to the Legislature and Governor on a biennial basis. The most recent state performance report on information technology was prepared in 2006 to reflect information technology performance during the 2003–2005 biennium.

Summary of Bill: Fiscal notes must identify the fiscal and operational impact on the state information technology portfolio. OFM and DIS must consult with each other in developing a process to measure the fiscal and operational impact of a given project on the state information technology portfolio.

DIS must prepare a six-year strategic plan for state information technology projects. At a minimum, the strategic plan must contain the following:

• a long-term plan for state investments in information technology projects, which identifies the highest priority needs for information technology projects within affordable spending levels;
• a statewide information technology assessment, including detailed projected information and estimated costs for all ongoing information technology projects in a state's information technology portfolio;
• a detailed list of proposed information technology projects for the upcoming biennium and two succeeding biennia; and
• a comprehensive review of the most recent biennial state performance report.

The strategic plan must be updated biennially and submitted to the Governor and the appropriate fiscal committees of the Legislature. The ISB is given the authority to develop statewide requirements for contracts for information technology projects.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill came about after a situation that happened not long ago when there was an assumption of saved money for the state but, ultimately, the decision ended up costing the state more money because of incorrect assumptions related to information technology. Our new payroll system is a perfect example. Changing the legislation related to the payroll system at the last minute to fill a gap in the budget ended up costing the state almost as much in adjusting the software program. We have a lack of clarity on how the state makes budget decisions with respect to information technology projects. This bill will help eradicate these situations.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Tamara Jones, Department of Information Systems; Representative Hunter, prime sponsor.