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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to modernization of state agency Internet websites and |
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digital services. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 2054, Government Code, is amended by |
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adding Subchapter S to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER S. MODERNIZATION OF STATE AGENCY INTERNET WEBSITES AND |
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DIGITAL SERVICES |
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Sec. 2054.651. STATE AGENCY DIGITAL MODERNIZATION. Each |
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state agency shall assess the agency's Internet website and online |
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service portals to identify areas for improvement in user |
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accessibility, navigation, and digital service efficiency. In |
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performing the assessment, a state agency shall consider: |
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(1) strategies to simplify user access to forms, |
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applications, and agency services; |
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(2) opportunities to reduce or eliminate paperwork |
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requirements if electronic alternatives exist; |
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(3) enhancements to ensure compliance with |
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accessibility standards under Subchapter M; |
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(4) using responsive web design to ensure the agency's |
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Internet website is equally accessible using a desktop computer, |
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laptop computer, or mobile device, including a tablet or cellular |
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telephone; |
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(5) adopting best practices for search functionality, |
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page load speed, and service integration; and |
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(6) using the department's web page templates and web |
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design guidelines to provide consistency among state agency |
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Internet websites and improve the usability of the website. |
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Sec. 2054.652. INTERAGENCY GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT. (a) In |
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this section, "user-centered design" means a design approach |
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focused on optimizing the user experience by improving Internet |
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website navigation, accessibility, and responsiveness. |
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(b) The department shall provide guidance and technical |
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assistance for use by state agencies in standardizing agency |
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modernization planning efforts required by Section 2054.651. |
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(c) The department shall develop and disseminate best |
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practices for user-centered design, digital accessibility, and |
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service integration, including web page templates and web design |
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guidelines that provide a consistent look for state agency Internet |
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websites and simplify user navigation. |
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(d) The department may establish a working group of state |
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agency technology officers to facilitate information sharing and |
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support consistency across agencies. |
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Sec. 2054.653. LEGISLATIVE REPORT. (a) Not later than |
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November 15, 2026, the department shall submit a report to the |
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legislature detailing the status of the state agency digital |
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modernization planning efforts required by this subchapter and |
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identifying common priorities and challenges. |
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(b) This section expires January 1, 2027. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |