SRC-BWC S.B. 428 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 428 77R2371 BDH-DBy: Lucio State Affairs 4/12/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, there are approximately thirty-five state agencies that distribute general revenue or federallyfunded grants to local governments and non-profit organizations, largely through paper processes. There are many different forms, procedures, award decision-making processing systems, and payment methods. Paper-driven processes consume large amounts of paper and are subject to more problems with inconsistency and data entry errors than electronic processes. A statewide electronic grants management system could streamline this process, saving time and paper, increasing data accuracy, and improving the allocation of state and federal funding. As proposed, S.B. 428 requires the Department of Information Resources to conduct a study to determine costs and benefits of a statewide electronic grants management system which increases the awareness of grant availability; provides a single location for accessing grant information; provides a searchable database; and allows electronic submission of grant applications. The study must identify any state agencies that offer grants and consumer groups affected by the grants. The study must also look at computer software for grant tracking and the possibility of using public-private partnerships and cost reimbursement options. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Department of Information Resources in SECTION 1 of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Requires the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to conduct a study that identifies certain state agencies offering grants and consumer groups affected by the grants, in order to determine the costs and benefits of establishing a statewide electronic grants management system designed to perform certain tasks regarding grants. Requires the study to consider whether available grant-tracking computer software can be used in an electronic grants management system in this state and the possibility of using certain methods to lower the costs of providing an electronic grants management system. Authorizes DIR to request from the Electronic Grants Technical Assistance Workshop certain information related to opportunities for improving grant management. Requires DIR, not later than September 1, 2002, to provide to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the legislature a report of the findings of the study conducted under this Act. Requires DIR, on completion of the study required by this Act, to by rule design and implement a statewide electronic grants management system based on the findings of the study. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.