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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Trade & Economic Development, February 19, 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 [DP-WM].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Braun, Chair; Smith, Vice Chair; Chase, Ranking Member; Holmquist Newbry, Schlicher and Shin.
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:
a prominent link on agency home pages to business regulations;
clear pathways to specific license and permit applications;
periodic usability testing; and
measuring website revision results.
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 is one of the improvements suggested by the Auditor's Office. Navigating websites is hard for small businesses because the different agencies' website formats can be different. This will enhance and make the business environment better and more useful to business users.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Smith, prime sponsor.