SRC-DPW C.S.S.B. 801 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 801
76R10581 JRD-DBy: Ellis
State Affairs
3/26/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

In 1997, the legislature instructed the Department of Information Resources
to develop a biennial state strategic plan for overseeing technological
developments, including the use of technology to improve access to public
information.  Taxpayers continue to be frustrated with Texas' fragmented
approach in providing such services.  This bill would require state
agencies to develop on-line access to public information. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 801 requires state agencies to make certain
information electronically accessible through the Internet. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 2001A, Government Code, by adding Section
2001.006, as follows: 

Sec. 2001.006. CERTAIN EXPLANATORY INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH
INTERNET.  Requires each agency to make its rules and selected
interpretations of its rules available through a generally accessible
Internet site.  Authorizes a state agency to comply with this section
through the actions of another agency. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 2054.096, Government Code, to provide that a
state agency that receives information by form or money from members of the
public or from regulated person, to develop a plan for receiving such forms
or money through the Internet or through other electronic means.  Requires
the Department of Information Resources (department) to assist state
agencies in developing the plan which must include security measures that
follow guidelines established by the department, performance measures and a
timetable for implementation. 

SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 2054F, Government Code, by adding Section
2054.121, as follows: 

Sec. 2054.121. LINKING AND INDEXING INTERNET SITES. Requires state agencies
to cooperate in linking generally accessible Internet sites among agencies
to link concurrently needed information.  Requires state agencies
maintaining Internet sites to establish the site in a location easily
located by electronic means.  Requires the department to assist agencies in
compliance with this section. 

SECTION 4. Requires state agencies to phase in the changes in the law made
by this Act regarding information available on the Internet. 

SECTION 5.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.





 SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. 

Amends Section 2001.006, Government Code, require a state agency to make
selected interpretations of its rules available on an Internet site. 

SECTION 2. 

Amends Section 2054.096, Government Code, to require each state agency to
include in its strategic plan a plan for receiving forms or payments
through the Internet or other electronic means and requires the plan to
include security measures that follow guidelines established by the
department.