Membership of the information technology committee and the information technology operating fund; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.
Impact
The bill seeks to modernize and enhance information technology infrastructure across state agencies and educational institutions. By reallocating existing budgets and introducing new appropriations, SB2021 intends to improve both operational efficiency and service provision to the public. The mandate for the legislative management to conduct studies on the effectiveness and future needs of the state's enterprise resource planning system and the student information system transition is also notable, highlighting the commitment to ongoing assessments and adaptations of technology in governance.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 2021 aims to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the North Dakota Information Technology Department for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This bill outlines budget allocations that encompass salaries, operating expenses, and various technology projects. Among these are funding for the statewide data center migration, automation of IT services, and sustaining key information technology frameworks necessary for state functioning. The overall appropriation totals $200.5 million, leveraging both general and other funds, which includes state and federal resources.
Sentiment
The legislative sentiment regarding SB2021 was generally positive, evidenced by the strong support in voting, with the Senate passing the bill with 45 yeas to 1 nay. Stakeholders, including committee members and certain public entities, are likely to view this as a progressive step toward enhancing technological capabilities and supporting initiatives that can result in better resource management and communication within state operations. Nevertheless, concerns may arise regarding the effective allocation of funds and the prioritization of IT projects versus other pressing state needs.
Contention
While there appears to be a consensus on the need for improved information technology services, potential contention points could revolve around the effectiveness of the allocation and management of such significant resources. Questions may also be raised about oversight and the degree to which the proposed studies will lead to actionable improvements in service delivery. There could be discussions regarding the necessity and prioritization of certain IT projects, particularly in a fiscal environment demanding efficiency across budget categories.
The powers and duties of the state auditor and the salary of the state auditor; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to declare an emergency.
The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.
A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the ethics commission; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide for a legislative management report.
A BILL for an Act to provide for an information technology department study relating to the language of chapter 54-59 of the North Dakota Century Code; and to provide for a legislative management report.
Budget section approval limits for the flexible transportation fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for retroactive application; and to provide an effective date.
Legislative compensation; to provide a report; to provide an exemption; to provide for application, transfer, and cancellation of unexpended appropriations; and to declare an emergency.
The state information technology research center, advanced technology review committee, compute credits grant program, and advanced technology grant fund.