BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

C.S.H.B. 855

By: Sanford

Government Transparency & Operation

Committee Report (Substituted)

                                                                                                                               

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Interested parties contend that, due to the continuous evolution of technology and constantly changing methods of information and communication, it is important to ensure that state agency websites are compatible with wireless communication devices and at least the three most commonly used Internet browsers as determined by the Department of Information Resources. C.S.H.B. 855 seeks to impose these requirements.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

C.S.H.B. 855 amends the Government Code to require the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to identify the three most commonly used Internet browsers and post a list containing those browsers in a conspicuous location on DIR's website. The bill requires DIR to biennially review and, if necessary, update this list. The bill requires each state agency that maintains a generally accessible website or for which a generally accessible website is maintained to ensure that the website is compatible with the most recent version of each browser listed by DIR and with a wireless communication device, defined by the bill as a device capable of using a commercial mobile service as defined by federal law.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2015.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

 

While C.S.H.B. 855 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.

 

INTRODUCED

HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

SECTION 1.  Subchapter F, Chapter 2054, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2054.134 to read as follows:

Sec. 2054.134.  INTERNET BROWSER COMPATIBILITY. 

 

 

 

 

(a)  The department shall identify the three most commonly used Internet browsers and post a list containing those browsers in a conspicuous location on the department's Internet website. The department shall biennially review and, if necessary, update the list required under this subsection.

(b)  Each state agency that maintains a generally accessible Internet website or for which a generally accessible Internet website is maintained shall ensure that the website is compatible with the most recent version of each Internet browser listed by the department as required under Subsection (a).

SECTION 1.  Subchapter F, Chapter 2054, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2054.134 to read as follows:

Sec. 2054.134.  DEVICE AND INTERNET BROWSER COMPATIBILITY. 

(a)  In this section, "wireless communication device" means a device capable of using a commercial mobile service as defined by 47 U.S.C. Section 332.

(b)  The department shall identify the three most commonly used Internet browsers and post a list containing those browsers in a conspicuous location on the department's Internet website. The department shall biennially review and, if necessary, update the list required under this subsection.

(c)  Each state agency that maintains a generally accessible Internet website or for which a generally accessible Internet website is maintained shall ensure that the website is compatible with:

(1)  a wireless communication device; and

(2)  the most recent version of each Internet browser listed by the department as required under Subsection (b).

SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.