HB 295 -- State Information Systems

Sponsor:  Mays

This bill establishes the Office of Telecommunications
Management and the Technology Commission to better coordinate
state information systems and increase public access to state
data and services.

The Office of Telecommunications Management is created within
the Office of Administration to coordinate and enhance all
telecommunications systems, services, and ongoing technology
initiatives affecting the management and operation of state
government.  The bill limits staffing within the office to 3 new
state employees but permits the Commissioner of Administration
to reassign existing staff to the office.  The office is allowed
to contract for services from appropriated funds.

The Office of Telecommunications Management will oversee the
acquisition and utilization of all telecommunications equipment
and systems employed by state government to encourage economical
operation and compatibility. This oversight includes authority
to approve or disapprove all procurement of state
telecommunications systems and services.  The office will also
define state telecommunications specifications and protocols.

The bill directs the Office of Telecommunications Management to
develop and promote telecommunications applications of state
services such as distance learning, telemedicine, and economic
development. All state agencies, including institutions of
higher learning, the judicial system, and the General Assembly,
are directed to cooperate with the office.

The Office of Telecommunications Management is directed to
coordinate with the Technology Commission to ensure that public
information and state services are available in a structure
appropriate for promotion by the commission.

The bill creates the 10 member Technology Commission.  The
commission is directed to develop a telecommunications network
that will provide subscribers access to the full range of state
information and services facilitated by the Office of
Telecommunications Management.

The commission is directed to employ and oversee a network
manager to develop and operate the state information network.
The network manager may be an individual, company, or,
corporation.

The bill establishes the Information Network of Missouri Fund to
receive gifts, donations, grants, and subscriber fees to support
the operation of the Technology Commission.