Oklahoma House Bill HB1801

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Information Technology Consolidation and Coordination Act; exemptions; cost savings; effective date.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 1801 are aimed at enhancing the flexibility of state agencies in managing their compliance with state IT regulations. By allowing certain agencies to request exemptions or extensions, the bill seeks to ensure that compliance does not hinder their ability to serve the public effectively. This can result in a more efficient allocation of resources and potentially significant cost savings for the state government as agencies can focus on their core functions without unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Summary

House Bill 1801 amends the Information Technology Consolidation and Coordination Act, specifically modifying the provisions under Section 35.7 of Title 62 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The bill introduces a mechanism through which state agencies can apply for exemptions or extensions from compliance with the Act under certain conditions. These conditions include potential violations of federal laws, loss of federal funds, or impediments to fulfilling unique agency functions that are crucial for their operations. The amendment reflects an intention to adapt the state's information technology mandates to better suit the operational realities faced by specific agencies.

Contention

While HB 1801 appears to be a reasonable adjustment to streamline state IT requirements, there may be concerns regarding oversight and accountability. The ability for agencies to apply for exemptions could lead to disparities in compliance, depending on how rigorously the Chief Information Officer and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services evaluate these applications. Critics may argue that this could create loopholes that allow for inconsistent application of technology standards across state agencies, potentially impacting the quality and security of state services.