The bill removes the provision that necessitated the Department to create a master plan for technology, potentially reducing strategic oversight on technology implementation. Furthermore, it stipulates that System and Organization Control audit reports will no longer be available on public websites, thereby increasing confidentiality over certain audit processes but also raising concerns about transparency.
Summary
SB2122 amends the Department of Innovation and Technology Act, specifically revising the definitions related to state agencies. Notably, it excludes 'transferring agencies' from the definition of state agencies and changes the Department's mandate from a requirement to provide and coordinate information technology services for state agencies to a permissive one. This shift could impact how technology services are managed across state agencies.
Contention
The amendment to the existing law might generate discussions on accountability and oversight in technology management. While some might argue that less stringent regulations on audit report availability could streamline processes, others could view it as a move towards opacity in state operations. The fact that the Department is now more flexible in providing technology services could create inconsistencies in how services are delivered across different governmental sectors.
Relating to the transfer of certain functions regarding career and technology education from the Texas Education Agency to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.