DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 891 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session Deshotel
Abstract: Removes the exclusive authority to provide internet services and wide area network
systems and services from the powers of the office of technology services (OTS) and the
office of telecommunications management (OTM).
Present law (R.S. 39:15.1 et seq.) establishes OTS within the division of administration. Gives OTS
authority over all information technology systems and services for agencies in the executive branch
of state government, except for any agency of a statewide elected official.
Proposed law provides that the authority to provide internet services and wide area network systems
or services is not exclusive to OTS or OTM. Proposed law does not prohibit an agency from
contracting with the OTS or OTM for internet services or wide area network systems or services.
Present law (R.S. 39:140 et seq.) establishes OTM within OTS. Gives OTM exclusive authority
over the acquisition, billing, and recordkeeping of all telecommunications systems or
telecommunications services provided to state agencies. Proposed law provides that the authority
to provide internet services and wide area network systems or services is not exclusive to OTS or
OTM. Does not prohibit an agency from contracting with OTS or OTM for internet services or wide
area network systems or services.
Present law (R.S. 39:1751 et seq.) establishes special procurement provisions for the state purchase
of telecommunications systems and services and—with specific exceptions outlined in present
law—designates OTM as the exclusive contractor for such systems and services. Further defines
"telecommunications systems" and "telecommunications services" to mean the telecommunications
equipment and services to provide certain enumerated offerings, including voice telecommunications
systems and services, wide area network systems and services, and wireless systems and services.
Proposed law specifically excludes internet services and wide area network systems or services from
the definition of "telecommunications systems" and "telecommunications services".
Provides that proposed law does not apply to any contract for internet services or wide area network
systems or services in effect on the effective date of proposed law, but does apply to any extension
or renewal of such contract.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 39:15.3(D) and 1752(8); Adds R.S. 39:141(C))