By: Capriglione H.B. No. 5195
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the modernization of state agency systems, including
the improvement of online access to services and the reduction of
paperwork requirements.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2054, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter S to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER S. STATE AGENCY WEBSITE MODERNIZATION AND DIGITAL
ACCESSIBILITY
Sec. 2054.701. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Agency" means a state agency as defined by Section
2054.003.
(2) "User-centered design" means a design approach focused
on optimizing the user experience by improving website navigation,
accessibility, and responsiveness.
Sec. 2054.702. WEBSITE MODERNIZATION REQUIREMENTS. (a)
Each agency shall assess its website and online service portals to
identify areas for improved user accessibility, navigation, and
digital service efficiency.
(b) An agency shall implement updates to:
(1) simplify the process for users to access forms,
applications, and agency services;
(2) remove unnecessary paperwork requirements where
digital alternatives exist;
(3) ensure compliance with accessibility standards
under Section 2054.460;
(4) improve website responsiveness for mobile and
desktop users;
(5) adopt best practices for search functionality,
page load speed, and service integration.
(c) The Department of Information Resources shall develop
statewide guidance for agencies to standardize modernization
efforts and ensure inter-agency consistency.
Sec. 2054.703. REDUCTION OF PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS. (a) An
agency shall review its existing forms, applications, and public
filing requirements to identify:
(1) paperwork requirements that can be eliminated or
replaced with digital submissions;
(2) processes that can be automated to reduce manual
data entry by users;
(3) alternative means to verify information without
requiring duplicative documentation from the user.
(b) Each agency shall submit a report to the Legislative
Budget Board and the governor's office by December 1 of each
even-numbered year detailing the steps taken to modernize agency
processes and reduce paperwork.
Sec. 2054.704. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION AND BEST
PRACTICES. (a) The Department of Information Resources shall:
(1) provide technical assistance to agencies to
implement website improvements and digital service upgrades;
(2) establish guidelines for user-centered design
that prioritize ease of navigation, multilingual access, and
mobile-friendly design;
(3) coordinate a working group of agency technology
officers to share best practices and address modernization
challenges.
(b) The State Auditor's Office shall review agency
compliance with modernization requirements as part of routine
audits.
Sec. 2054.705. DEADLINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION. (a) Not later
than September 1, 2026, each agency shall:
(1) complete an internal assessment of its website and
digital service offerings;
(2) submit a modernization plan to the Department of
Information Resources outlining proposed improvements and a
timeline for completion.
(b) The Department of Information Resources shall submit a
summary report to the legislature by March 1, 2027, detailing
statewide progress on agency modernization efforts.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.