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HB 1548

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS; AND TO ABOLISH THE DATA AND TRANSPARENCY PANEL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Bryant and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1548 abolishes the Data and Transparency Panel, streamlining data governance in Arkansas and shifting oversight to the Division of Information Systems.

Notification that HB1548 is now Act 375
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Bill Summary · HB 1548

Summary of House Bill 1548 (Act 375)

Bill Number: HB 1548
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Division of Information Systems; and to Abolish the Data and Transparency Panel
Status: Enacted as Act 375
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Legislative Session: 95th General Assembly, Regular Session, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1548 aims to streamline the governance of data management within the state of Arkansas by abolishing the Data and Transparency Panel. The bill seeks to amend existing laws related to the Division of Information Systems, specifically focusing on the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Data Officer and the structure of data oversight in the state.

Key Provisions

  1. Abolition of the Data and Transparency Panel:

    • The bill repeals Arkansas Code § 25-4-127, which established the Data and Transparency Panel and defined its duties.
    • The responsibilities previously held by the panel, including overseeing the statewide data warehouse program and engaging in data sharing, will no longer be managed by this entity.

  2. Changes to the Chief Data Officer's Role:

    • The bill removes the requirement for the Chief Data Officer to direct and oversee the now-abolished Data and Transparency Panel, as specified in Arkansas Code § 25-4-126(b)(7).

  3. Repeal of Related Statutes:

    • In addition to the panel's duties, the bill repeals Arkansas Code § 25-4-128, which further outlines the panel's functions and responsibilities.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • The abolition of the Data and Transparency Panel will primarily impact the Division of Information Systems and its Chief Data Officer, who will no longer have oversight responsibilities related to the panel.
    • State agencies that previously interacted with the panel for data sharing and transparency initiatives may need to adjust their processes accordingly.

  • Data Management:

    • The bill may lead to a more centralized approach to data management within the Division of Information Systems, as the responsibilities of the panel are eliminated.
    • The state may need to establish new protocols for data sharing and transparency without the panel's oversight.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 6, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill engrossed.
  • March 10, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • March 17, 2025: Passed in the Senate; returned to the House.
  • March 20, 2025: Notification that HB 1548 is now Act 375.

Conclusion

House Bill 1548 represents a significant shift in how Arkansas manages its data governance structure by eliminating the Data and Transparency Panel. This change reflects an effort to streamline operations within the Division of Information Systems and may lead to new approaches in data management and transparency across state agencies.

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

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