SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5757

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 of February 18, 2013

Title: An act relating to standards and policies governing information technology.

Brief Description: Concerning standards and policies governing information technology.

Sponsors: Senators Smith, Schlicher, Braun, Chase and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Trade & Economic Development: 2/19/13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background: In 2011, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) was established within the Office of Financial Management. OCIO is responsible for the preparation and implementation of a strategic direction and enterprise architecture for information technology for the state. OCIO must work toward standardization and consolidation of information technology infrastructure across state agencies, establish standards and policies to govern information technology in the state, and educate and inform the state on information technology matters. Other OCIO duties include establishing policies for the periodic review of agency performance and establishing technical standards to facilitate electronic access to government information.

The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) conducts state government audits, local government audits, and performance audits. On September 6, 2012, SAO released the performance audit Regulatory Reform: Communicating Regulatory Information and Streamlining Business Rules. Within the audit, SAO found that, in response to an executive order, the state's Chief Information Officer is working with several agencies to lay the foundation for a one-stop for small businesses to conduct regulatory transactions. SAO recommended that government websites contain complete regulatory information and be easy to use, and more particularly, recommended that the OCIO develop standards on usable web content.

Summary of Bill: OCIO must develop standards that enable agencies to produce clear, consistent, and usable web content. The standards must be based on leading usability practices. Requirements include the following:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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