AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

A computer system or application program that is based on older and less efficient technology is commonly referred to as a legacy system. Interested parties report that the modernization of legacy applications through replacement or extending compatibility with new systems can be expensive and complex. However, failure to modernize aging legacy applications could compromise mission-critical business and may ultimately cost more over time as technical support expertise necessary to maintain such systems becomes scarce. C.S.H.B. 2738 seeks to assess the state's need for legacy system modernization by requiring the Department of Information Resources to conduct a study identifying legacy systems currently maintained by state agencies.

 

C.S.H.B. 2738 amends current law relating to a study by the Department of Information Resources regarding state agency technology efficiency.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

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

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 2054, Government Code, by adding Subchapter O, as follows:

 

SUBCHAPTER O.  LEGACY SYSTEMS STUDY

 

Sec. 2054.551.  DEFINITION.  Defines, in this subchapter, "legacy system."

 

Sec. 2054.552.  STUDY.  (a)  Requires the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) to conduct a study to identify legacy systems currently maintained by state agencies other than institutions of higher education.  Requires that the study include:

 

(1)  an inventory of the systems maintained by state agencies;

 

(2)  the annual cost and availability of resources to maintain the systems;

 

(3)  the security risks related to use of the systems;

 

(4)  if feasible, a cost estimate for updating the systems; and

 

(5)  a plan for assessing and prioritizing statewide modernization projects to update or replace the systems.

 

(b)  Authorizes DIR to contract with a private vendor to conduct the study.

 

(c)  Requires each state agency, on request by DIR, to provide to DIR the information necessary for the study.  Authorizes DIR to require a state agency to clarify or validate information provided by the agency or related to the study.

 

Sec. 2054.553.  REPORT.  Requires DIR, not later than October 1, 2014, to submit a report on its findings from the study conducted under Section 2054.552 and recommendations for modernization of legacy systems to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the House Technology Committee, and the Senate Committee on Government Organization.

 

Sec. 2054.554.  EXPIRATION.  Provides that this subchapter expires August 31, 2015.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.