Texas House Bill HB1352

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to requirements for vendors providing certain services involving computers to governmental entities.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1352 would significantly alter how governmental entities engage with IT service providers. By instituting strict software requirements, the bill aims to provide a mechanism for tracking work and costs, ultimately leading to improved oversight of public spending on technology services. Moreover, the bill stipulates that any data collected through this software must be maintained by the vendor for at least seven years, thereby providing governmental entities and auditors access for verification without charge. This aspect emphasizes maintaining accountability and transparency in billing practices within government contracts.

Summary

House Bill 1352 establishes specific requirements for vendors providing information technology services to governmental entities in Texas, particularly for contracts valued at $100,000 or more. The bill mandates that these contracts require vendors to utilize software that can verify the work performed during the billed hours. This includes features such as real-time and retroactive access to data, keystroke frequency tracking, and regular screen captures, which serve as accountability measures for the services rendered. The objective is to enhance transparency and ensure that governmental entities are billed accurately for the work provided.

Contention

While the bill seeks to bolster the integrity of financial transactions between governmental entities and vendors, there may be contention regarding the additional burdens placed on vendors. Critics may argue that these stringent requirements could complicate the contracting process, where smaller vendors might struggle to implement and afford the necessary software systems. Furthermore, concerns about privacy and the management of sensitive data may arise, given the nature of the information being tracked and reported. Ensuring that vendor accountability measures do not infringe upon individual privacy rights is likely to be a subject of debate as the bill is discussed further.