BILL REQ. #:  S-4527.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/03/10.   

     AN ACT Relating to improving the efficiency, accountability, and quality within state information systems; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   LEGISLATIVE INTENT AND FINDINGS. The legislature finds the state and its citizens will benefit by maximizing the efficient investment in and application of technology. The legislature further finds that Washington state is a leader in information technology and systems, in both the private and public sectors. Significant investments have been made in information technology and systems and the costs of those investments continue to rise.
     It is the intent of the legislature to achieve reform within the state's approach to information technology and systems so that future investments are sound and limited resources are used as efficiently as possible. The legislature recognizes the state has undergone past information technology and systems studies. However, this effort will be focused on a collaborative action plan to implement recommendations. A collaborative process will achieve widespread support for the recommendations and bring forth creative and diverse approaches and recommendations.
     Improvements in information technology and systems will benefit the state by:
     (1) Improving business process efficiency through the appropriate application of technology and system integration;
     (2) Reducing information technology and systems costs by developing a collaborative approach to future development; and
     (3) Improving the quality and integrity of information used by the state and our citizens.
     Therefore, the information systems improvement committee is created. The committee shall pursue a comprehensive examination of information technology and systems investments and issues and develop a set of recommendations to enhance the quality, accountability, and efficiency of information systems in Washington state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   INFORMATION SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE. The information systems improvement committee is created.
     (1) The committee consists of the following members:
     (a) Two members from the house of representatives, one from each of the two largest caucuses, to be appointed by the speaker of the house;
     (b) Two members from the senate, one from each of the two largest caucuses, to be appointed by the president of the senate;
     (c) One representative from the office of financial management;
     (d) One representative from the governor's office;
     (e) One representative from the department of information services;
     (f) One representative from the department of transportation;
     (g) One representative designated by the higher education coordinating board;
     (h) One representative designated by the board of community and technical colleges;
     (i) One representative from the department of licensing;
     (j) One representative from the department of ecology;
     (k) One representative from the department of labor and industries;
     (l) One representative from the employment security department;
     (m) One representative from the department of natural resources;
     (n) One representative from the office of the insurance commissioner;
     (o) One representative from the software industry to be appointed by the governor;
     (p) One representative from the hardware industry to be appointed by the governor;
     (q) One representative of state employees to be appointed by the governor;
     (r) One representative designated by the association of Washington cities; and
     (s) One representative designated by the Washington state association of counties.
     (2) The committee shall elect a chair from the four legislators appointed to the committee. There will be a steering committee comprised of the chair of the information systems improvement committee and the representatives from the governor's office, office of financial management, department of information systems, and the department of licensing. The steering committee shall develop the meeting agendas and appoint chairs to the technical subcommittees. The steering committee may also add additional members to the information systems improvement committee.
     (3) Members of the committee may not be compensated but must receive reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (4) The department of information services shall provide administrative and clerical assistance to the committee. The department may retain consultants to assist in facilitation of the committee.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES. (1) The committee is responsible for developing a series of recommendations for improving information technology and systems across state and local governments. The committee shall determine ways to maximize the state investment in these areas, including an analysis of state provision of services versus managed services. The committee, where possible, will leverage the work of existing groups, efforts, and studies in order to not duplicate efforts. The committee will develop an action plan using a collaborative and inclusive process, in order to build consensus and support for the recommendations.
     (2) The committee shall create a governance subcommittee, which shall make recommendations on information technology planning, funding strategies, portfolio ownership and management, and decision processes. In addition the committee may establish such other subcommittees as the committee determines is appropriate.
     (3) Within six months from the first meeting of the committee, the subcommittees shall develop an initial list of possible recommendations in their technical area.
     (4) The committee will provide a final report with recommendations to the legislature and governor by September 1, 2011. The technical subcommittee's recommendations must be approved by a majority of the information systems improvement committee. The final report must include specific actions to be taken by state agencies and plans for implementing those actions. The report must also contain benchmarking in the subject areas of the technical subcommittees. This benchmarking must indicate where the state is currently, how the recommended actions will increase the state's benchmarks, and how we compare to other states.
     (5) The committee shall develop a dispute resolution process to resolve conflicts by September 1, 2010.
     (6) The committee and technical subcommittees shall identify, where possible, pilot projects to test the recommendations developed by the subcommittees.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   This act expires March 31, 2012.