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HB 913

STATE GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 913 allows Georgia's governmental entities to choose their hardware freely, enhancing flexibility in software licensing and potentially saving costs.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 913

Summary of House Bill 913

Bill Number: HB 913
Title: Administrative Service, Department of; prohibit a governmental entity from entering into contracts for the licensing of certain software applications
Status: House First Readers
Introduced: April 02, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 913 aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to ensure that governmental entities in Georgia are not restricted by software licensing agreements from choosing the hardware on which to install or run software applications. The bill seeks to enhance the flexibility of governmental entities in managing their software and hardware resources.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Governmental Entity: The bill defines a "governmental entity" to include any department, agency, board, bureau, commission, authority, county, municipal corporation, school system, or other political subdivision of the state.

  • Prohibition on Contract Limitations: The bill specifically prohibits contracts for the licensing of software applications that would limit a governmental entity's ability to install or run such software on any desktop or server hardware of its choosing.

  • Effective Date and Applicability:

    • The bill will become effective upon approval by the Governor or if it becomes law without such approval.
    • It will apply to all contracts for software licensing entered into by governmental entities on or after the effective date, including any renewals, modifications, or extensions of existing agreements.

  • Repeal of Conflicting Laws: The bill includes a provision to repeal any laws that conflict with its provisions.

Impact

  • Who is Affected: This legislation will impact all governmental entities in Georgia that enter into software licensing agreements. This includes state departments, local governments, and educational institutions.

  • Potential Benefits: By allowing governmental entities to select their hardware without restrictions imposed by software licensing agreements, the bill aims to promote greater operational flexibility, potentially leading to cost savings and improved efficiency in the use of technology resources.

Legislative Actions

  • April 2, 2025: The bill was introduced and placed in the House Hopper.
  • April 4, 2025: The bill was read for the first time in the House.

This summary provides a clear overview of House Bill 913, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on governmental entities in Georgia.

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

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