HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

             SENATE BILL 5194

Title:  An act relating to information technology management in state government.

Brief Description:  Changing information technology management provisions.

Sponsors:  Senators Brown, Rossi, Fraser, Finkbeiner, Gardner and Winsley; by request of Department of Information Services.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

TECHNOLOGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS & ENERGY

Meeting Date:  March 23, 1999.

  Bill Analysis Prepared by: Anntonette Alberti, (786-7117)

Background:  The Information Services Board (ISB) is the 12-member body responsible for setting policy regarding information technology (IT) resources for state agencies.  Its staff support comes from the Department of Information Services (DIS).

In January 1998, ISB directed agencies to adopt the portfolio management system for their IT resources.  Under this system, each agency's IT resources, such as computers, computer systems, and telecommunications equipment, are managed as one would manage other investments, such as real estate or stocks.  Each proposed investment is examined in the context of the agency's current and planned investments as well as in the context of the state's overall IT holdings.  The DIS enabling statute reflects the former IT management structure which focused on individual agencies' acquisition plans.

The DIS enabling statute contains a limitation on the total number of deputy and assistant directors DIS can have.  DIS is one of two cabinet-level agencies with such a restriction in its enabling statute.

Summary:  A definition for "information technology portfolio" is added.  References to "acquisition plans," "oversight committees" and other outdated language are replaced by terms such as "information technology portfolios" and "advisory board."

The provision requiring approval of project plans by the director of the agency, and the directors of financial management and DIS is deleted.

Agencies are directed to develop IT portfolios and to consider those portfolios when making decisions about IT investments.  Requirements for review of agency IT budget requests are amended by requiring criteria consistent with the portfolio system.

The provision limiting the department to a total of four deputy and assistant directors is deleted.

Other clarifying and technical changes are made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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