SRC-AXB C.S.S.B. 974 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 974 76R10710 JRD-FBy: Shapleigh State Affairs 4/19/1999 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST During the past decade, the Internet has grown to be an important tool for exchanging information and conducting everyday business. Texans and Texas businesses increasingly have used the Internet to complete business and information transactions. State and local government agencies must improve their Internet services to ensure that all citizens and businesses have access to the information and services. This bill requires the Department of Information Resources to create a task force and demonstration project regarding Internet-based services and systems. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 974 requires the Department of Information Resources to create a task force and demonstration project regarding the establishment of a common electronic system using 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 2054C, Government Code, by adding Section 2054.062, as follows: Sec. 2054.062. ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC; TASK FORCE AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. Requires the Department of Information Resources (TDIR) to create a task force to assess the cost of establishing an Internet system for state agencies and local governments to accomplish certain tasks and transactions. Requires TDIR and the task force to demonstrate the extent of current Internet transactions by certain government entities. Sets forth the composition of the task force. Provides that Chapter 2110 does not apply to the task force. Requires TDIR to report on the task force's findings and demonstration results to certain authorities by November 1, 2000. Provides that the task force is abolished and this section expires September 1, 2001. SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3.Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends Section 2054.062(c)(2), Government Code, to provide that the governor, rather than TDIR, determines the number of, and appoints representatives of local governments.