Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5352

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the State Blockchain Technology Pilot Program by the Department of Information Resources.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5352 would amend Chapter 2054 of the Government Code to include a Subchapter T that articulates the framework and operational details of the pilot program. The program's findings could significantly influence future legislative actions and technological adoptions across various state agencies, thereby shaping how public services are delivered and how state records are maintained. By investigating blockchain's role in procurement and records management, the bill could enhance government accountability and streamline operations.

Summary

House Bill 5352, introduced by Representative Bucy, aims to establish the State Blockchain Technology Pilot Program within the Department of Information Resources (DIR). The bill is designed to explore the applicability and advantages of blockchain technology in enhancing the transparency, security, and efficiency of government operations. The program is intended to evaluate various use cases for blockchain, including secure storage of records, fraud detection, and identity verification for employees and citizens interacting with government services.

Contention

While the bill generally promotes technological advancement and government modernity, notable points of contention may arise primarily regarding concerns over cybersecurity and privacy. Critics may express apprehension about the security implications of implementing blockchain technology, particularly in maintaining sensitive information and ensuring compliance with existing regulations. Additionally, the program's funding structure and the selection process for participating state agencies may also spark debate, especially concerning the efficiency and deployment of resources.

Future considerations

The pilot program is set to culminate with a report due by January 1, 2029, which will assess the outcomes, challenges, and cost-effectiveness of utilizing blockchain technology within the government framework. This reporting mechanism aims to provide lawmakers with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and potential barriers, ensuring informed decision-making when considering wider adoption of blockchain technology in other areas of state operations. The expiration of the subchapter on September 1, 2029, will ensure that its efficacy is evaluated, with a potential for expansion based on the findings.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 2054. Information Resources
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4553

Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for services and commodity items provided by the Department of Information Resources and statewide technology centers.

TX SB1159

Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for services and commodity items provided by the Department of Information Resources and statewide technology centers.

TX SB1204

Relating to state and local government information technology and information security.

TX HB3217

Relating to a biennial audit by the Department of Information Resources of state agency information technology infrastructure.

TX HB5067

Relating to a study by the General Land Office on the establishment and implementation by the General Land Office of a distributed ledger-based title registry pilot program.

TX HB4541

Relating to the establishment of a pilot program to provide comprehensive whole child care for children with complex medical needs.

TX SB2360

Relating to the establishment of a pilot program to provide comprehensive whole child care for children with complex medical needs.

TX HB1917

Relating to the establishment and implementation by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs of the Texas Tenant Readiness and Landlord Incentive Pilot Program.

TX SB621

Relating to the position of chief information security officer in the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB1205

Relating to the modernization of information technology of state agencies and certain local governments.

Similar Bills

AZ HB2906

Financial technology; digital assets program

CA SB689

Records: blockchain.

CA AB2658

Secretary of the Government Operations Agency: working group: blockchain technology.

AZ HB2325

Arizona blockchain budget initiative; appropriation

NH HB639

Relative to the use of and disputes over blockchain and digital currencies.

HI HB622

Relating To Blockchain Technology.

US HB6572

Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023

MA H1851

Relative to workforce training