BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 5195
	By: Capriglione (Alvarado)
	Economic Development
	5/16/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Under current law, there is no uniform requirement for how state agency websites should be designed, maintained or made accessible. This results in inconsistent, outdated and difficult-to-navigate platforms that create barriers for small businesses, elderly users, individuals with disabilities and Texans with limited Internet access. H.B. 5195 addresses this issue by requiring agencies to assess and improve their websites and service portals, reduce reliance on paper forms where feasible, and adopt user-centered design principles. The bill also directs the Department of Information Resources to provide technical assistance, design templates, and best practices. These efforts will create a more consistent, accessible and efficient digital experience across all state agency websites and platforms.

H.B. 5195 amends current law relating to modernization of state agency Internet websites and digital services.

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 S, as follows:

SUBCHAPTER S. MODERNIZATION OF STATE AGENCY INTERNET WEBSITES AND DIGITAL SERVICES

Sec. 2054.651. STATE AGENCY DIGITAL MODERNIZATION. Requires each state agency to assess the agency's Internet website and online service portals to identify areas for improvement in user accessibility, navigation, and digital service efficiency. Requires a state agency, in performing the assessment, to make certain considerations.

Sec. 2054.652. INTERAGENCY GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT. (a) Defines "user-centered design."

(b) Requires the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to provide guidance and technical assistance for use by state agencies in standardizing agency modernization planning efforts required by Section 2054.651.

(c) Requires DIR to develop and disseminate best practices for user-centered design, digital accessibility, and service integration, including web page templates and web design guidelines that provide a consistent look for state agency Internet websites and simplify user navigation.

(d) Authorizes DIR to establish a working group of state agency technology officers to facilitate information sharing and support consistency across agencies.

Sec. 2054.653. LEGISLATIVE REPORT. (a) Requires DIR, not later than November 15, 2026, to submit a report to the legislature detailing the status of the state agency digital modernization planning efforts required by this subchapter and identifying common priorities and challenges.

(b) Provides that this section expires January 1, 2027.

Sec. 2054.654. REVIEW OF DIGITAL MODERNIZATION EFFORTS. (a) Requires each state agency, in coordination with DIR and the Legislative Budget Board, to:

(1) biennially review the implementation of the agency's digital modernization efforts under this subchapter, including a review of the cost-efficiency of the agency's digital modernization efforts, effectiveness of digital service upgrades in improving public access, and the agency's compliance with any statewide guidance relating to digital modernization; and

(2) submit the findings of the review described by Subdivision (1) to DIR.

(b) Requires DIR, not later than December 1 of each odd-numbered year, to prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives a report on the findings submitted under Subsection (a)(2).

SECTION 2. Requires DIR to submit the initial report required by Section 2054.654(b), Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than December 1, 2027.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2025.