Websites maintained by executive branch state agencies required to include appropriate contact information, including at minimum the direct email address of agency's commissioner or head.
Impact
If enacted, HF3110 will lead to systematic changes in how state agencies communicate with the public through their websites. By creating a standardized requirement for contact information, the bill is expected to improve accountability and responsiveness among state agencies. Advocates of the bill argue that this measure will empower citizens and enhance their interactions with state officials, fostering a more engaged and informed public. In essence, the bill aims to bridge the gap between the government and the residents it serves by ensuring vital contact information is readily accessible online.
Summary
House File 3110 (HF3110) seeks to enhance transparency in government operations by mandating that websites maintained by executive branch state agencies must include specific contact information. The legislation stipulates that each agency's website is required to provide at least the direct email address of the agency's commissioner or head. This update is posited as an effort to facilitate better access to state services and to ensure the public has a clear avenue to contact the heads of these agencies directly. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 10.60, subdivision 2, and emphasizes the importance of the information provided on state government websites.
Contention
While the bill promotes greater accessibility, it may raise discussions around privacy and the implications of making public officials' contact information readily available. Critics may argue that such requirements could unintentionally expose agency heads to unsolicited communications or other privacy concerns. As the bill advances through the legislative process, the debate may center around finding a balance between transparency and the protection of individual privacy, as well as how these changes would be enforced among various state agencies.
House Substitute for SB 291 by Committee on Legislative Modernization - Transferring all cybsersecurity services under the chief information technology officer of each branch of government, creating chief information security officers within the judicial and legislative branches, requiring a chief information security officer to be appointed by the attorney general, Kansas bureau of investigation, secretary of state, state treasurer and insurance commissioner and requiring the chief information security officers to implement certain minimum cybersecurity standards, requiring the information technology executive council to develop a plan to integrate executive branch information technology services under the executive chief information technology officer, making and concerning appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026, for the office of information technology, Kansas information security office and the adjutant general, authorizing certain transfers and imposing certain limitations and restrictions and directing or authorizing certain disbursements and procedures for all state agencies and requiring legislative review of state agencies not in compliance with this act.
Directs the commissioner of administration to ensure that the name and contact information of each custodian of public records of an agency be included on the website of the agency.
Directs the commissioner of administration to ensure that the name and contact information of each custodian of public records of an agency be included on the website of the agency.