Texas House Bill HB1467

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to reports on and purchase of information technology by state agencies.

Impact

The bill proposes significant changes to the way state agencies handle and report their IT operations. Each agency is required to submit detailed reports biennially, which will be analyzed to assess security and operational risks associated with their information technology. This type of consistent reporting aims to enhance security measures and resource management across the state, thereby improving overall governmental efficiency and safeguarding sensitive data.

Summary

House Bill 1467 is designed to regulate the reporting and purchase requirements for information technology by state agencies in Texas. The bill amends existing governmental code sections, particularly Section 552.139 and Chapter 2054, aiming to augment the transparency and accountability of state agencies regarding their information technology infrastructure. It mandates the collection of data on the status of IT resources, including information security programs, inventory of technology equipment, and vendor information, ensuring a comprehensive oversight of how state agencies manage their IT resources.

Contention

While the intention behind HB 1467 is to improve the structure and security of IT operations within state agencies, it may also face scrutiny regarding the additional administrative burden it places on these agencies. Critics may argue that the increased frequency and detail of reporting could detract from the agencies' primary functions or lead to resource reallocations that are not beneficial in the long term. The evaluation of vendors and cloud computing options could also ignite discussions regarding the appropriateness of cloud services in handling critical government data.

Notable_points

An important aspect of HB 1467 is the focus on ensuring that information meant for public disclosure is balanced with the need for confidentiality in security matters. The bill stipulates that while most reports will be public information, data identified as confidential under Chapter 552 must be protected, which is paramount for maintaining national security and protecting sensitive governmental operations.