AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Most state agencies have some form of software development department responsible for creating agency-specific software to help increase efficiency in the workplace. The problem arises when a software's main functions have already been developed by another agency. This lack of communication has led to state agencies "reinventing the wheel" by duplicating work previously done by another agency.
S.B. 794 will consolidate all state agency software development departments into one administrative department under the Texas Department of Information Resources. With the sharing of knowledge and the use of software development tools, state agencies will find their software needs being delivered faster and less expensively.
As proposed, S.B. 794 amends current law relating to the development, hosting, and management of computer software for state agencies.
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 Subchapter C, Chapter 2054, Government Code, by adding Section 2054.0521, as follows:
Sec. 2054.0521. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, HOSTING, AND MANAGEMENT. (a) Defines, in this section, "state agency."
(b) Requires the Department of Information Resources to provide for the coordinated development, hosting, and management of computer software for state agencies, and develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the coordinated development, hosting, and management systems of software used by state agencies that eliminates duplicative responsibilities with respect to software development, hosting, and management.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2013.