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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the modernization of state agency systems, including |
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the improvement of online access to services and the reduction of |
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paperwork requirements. |
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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. STATE AGENCY WEBSITE MODERNIZATION AND DIGITAL |
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ACCESSIBILITY |
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Sec. 2054.701. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
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(1) "Agency" means a state agency as defined by Section |
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2054.003. |
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(2) "User-centered design" means a design approach focused |
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on optimizing the user experience by improving website navigation, |
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accessibility, and responsiveness. |
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Sec. 2054.702. WEBSITE MODERNIZATION REQUIREMENTS. (a) |
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Each agency shall assess its website and online service portals to |
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identify areas for improved user accessibility, navigation, and |
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digital service efficiency. |
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(b) An agency shall implement updates to: |
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(1) simplify the process for users to access forms, |
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applications, and agency services; |
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(2) remove unnecessary paperwork requirements where |
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digital alternatives exist; |
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(3) ensure compliance with accessibility standards |
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under Section 2054.460; |
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(4) improve website responsiveness for mobile and |
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desktop users; |
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(5) adopt best practices for search functionality, |
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page load speed, and service integration. |
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(c) The Department of Information Resources shall develop |
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statewide guidance for agencies to standardize modernization |
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efforts and ensure inter-agency consistency. |
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Sec. 2054.703. REDUCTION OF PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS. (a) An |
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agency shall review its existing forms, applications, and public |
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filing requirements to identify: |
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(1) paperwork requirements that can be eliminated or |
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replaced with digital submissions; |
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(2) processes that can be automated to reduce manual |
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data entry by users; |
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(3) alternative means to verify information without |
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requiring duplicative documentation from the user. |
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(b) Each agency shall submit a report to the Legislative |
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Budget Board and the governor's office by December 1 of each |
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even-numbered year detailing the steps taken to modernize agency |
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processes and reduce paperwork. |
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Sec. 2054.704. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION AND BEST |
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PRACTICES. (a) The Department of Information Resources shall: |
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(1) provide technical assistance to agencies to |
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implement website improvements and digital service upgrades; |
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(2) establish guidelines for user-centered design |
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that prioritize ease of navigation, multilingual access, and |
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mobile-friendly design; |
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(3) coordinate a working group of agency technology |
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officers to share best practices and address modernization |
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challenges. |
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(b) The State Auditor's Office shall review agency |
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compliance with modernization requirements as part of routine |
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audits. |
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Sec. 2054.705. DEADLINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION. (a) Not later |
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than September 1, 2026, each agency shall: |
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(1) complete an internal assessment of its website and |
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digital service offerings; |
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(2) submit a modernization plan to the Department of |
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Information Resources outlining proposed improvements and a |
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timeline for completion. |
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(b) The Department of Information Resources shall submit a |
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summary report to the legislature by March 1, 2027, detailing |
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statewide progress on agency modernization efforts. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |