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Bill

HB 861

Department of Information Technology - Statewide Information Technology Master Plan - Reporting

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marlon Amprey and 12 co-sponsors

Maryland requires its IT Department to create and regularly report on a statewide technology master plan to improve coordination and accountability across government IT spending.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 448
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Bill Summary · HB 861

Legislative bill overview

HB 861 requires Maryland's Department of Information Technology to develop and maintain a comprehensive statewide information technology master plan and establish regular reporting requirements to the General Assembly. The bill mandates periodic updates to this plan and specifies what strategic elements must be included in the IT governance framework.

Why is this important

A statewide IT master plan helps coordinate technology investments across government agencies, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure cybersecurity standards are uniformly applied. Regular reporting requirements create accountability and allow legislators to oversee how state IT resources are being managed and whether strategic goals are being met.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource requirements: Developing and maintaining a comprehensive statewide IT master plan requires dedicated staff and funding; some may view this as an unfunded mandate on the Department of Information Technology
  • Reporting burden vs. flexibility: Mandatory reporting timelines could impose administrative overhead, though supporters argue transparency justifies the cost
  • Scope definition: The bill's specificity about what "must be included" in the plan could either ensure consistency or inadvertently omit important evolving IT priorities (cybersecurity, AI adoption, cloud migration strategies)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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