(1) The office of the state chief information officer is created within the consolidated technology services agency.

(2) The primary duties of the office are:

(a) To prepare and lead the implementation of a strategic direction and enterprise architecture for information technology for state government;

(b) To establish standards and policies for the consistent and efficient operation of information technology services throughout state government;

(c) To establish statewide enterprise architecture that will serve as the organizing standard for information technology for state agencies;

(d) To educate and inform state managers and policymakers on technological developments, industry trends and best practices, industry benchmarks that strengthen decision making and professional development, and industry understanding for public managers and decision makers; and

(e) To perform all other matters and things necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this chapter.

(3) In the case of institutions of higher education, the powers of the office and the provisions of this chapter apply to business and administrative applications but do not apply to (a) academic and research applications; and (b) medical, clinical, and health care applications, including the business and administrative applications for such operations. However, institutions of higher education must disclose to the office any proposed academic applications that are enterprise-wide in nature relative to the needs and interests of other institutions of higher education. Institutions of higher education shall provide to the director sufficient data and information on proposed expenditures on business and administrative applications to permit the director to evaluate the proposed expenditures pursuant to RCW 43.88.092(3).

(4) The legislature and the judiciary, which are constitutionally recognized as separate branches of government, are strongly encouraged to coordinate with the office and participate in shared services initiatives and the development of enterprise-based strategies, where appropriate. Legislative and judicial agencies of the state shall submit to the director information on proposed information technology expenditures to allow the director to evaluate the proposed expenditures on an advisory basis.

[2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 § 201; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 33 § 3; 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 § 702. Formerly RCW 43.41A.010.]

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