WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1647

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS; TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DIVISION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

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

HB 1647 renames the Division of Information Systems to Office of State Technology, enhancing security and coordination for state agencies and public education systems.

Notification that HB1647 is now Act 412
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1647

Summary of House Bill 1647 (HB 1647)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1647 (HB 1647) aims to amend existing laws concerning the Division of Information Systems in Arkansas. The primary objectives of the bill are to:
- Change the name of the Division of Information Systems to the Office of State Technology.
- Enhance the security and operational protocols related to information systems within the state, particularly in relation to public education and other state functions.
- Declare an emergency to expedite the implementation of these changes.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several amendments to existing Arkansas Code sections, which are summarized as follows:

  1. Security Reviews: Mandates periodic security reviews and risk assessments for information originating from school districts and terminating on state servers.

  2. Coordination of Responsibilities: Establishes that the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will coordinate with the Office of State Technology for various administrative and operational responsibilities.

  3. Distance Learning Protocols: Ensures that distance learning technical protocols align with standards set by the Office of State Technology.

  4. Voter Registration Support: Requires the Office of State Technology to assist the Secretary of State in determining the necessary computer equipment and software for the voter registration signature imaging system.

  5. Legislative Oversight: Assigns the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology the responsibility of overseeing the operations of the Office of State Technology.

  6. Access to Information: Ensures that the Office of State Technology provides necessary data and support to the Arkansas Legislative Audit at no cost.

  7. Emergency Management Assistance: Allows the Division of Emergency Management to request assistance from the Office of State Technology for technology-related emergency operation plans.

  8. Technical Assistance for Various Applications: Permits various state entities, including the Arkansas Crime Information Center and the board overseeing the Safe Arkansas App, to seek technical assistance from the Office of State Technology.

Affected Entities

The bill primarily impacts:
- The Division of Information Systems, which will be renamed to the Office of State Technology.
- Public school districts and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- State agencies, including the Secretary of State and the Division of Emergency Management.
- The Arkansas Legislative Audit and other state entities that rely on technology services.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was passed by both the House and Senate, with an emergency clause adopted to expedite its enactment.
  • Status: As of March 25, 2025, HB 1647 has been enacted as Act 412.

Conclusion

HB 1647 represents a significant restructuring of the state's approach to information systems, emphasizing security and operational efficiency. The changes are designed to enhance the state's technological infrastructure and ensure better coordination among various state agencies and educational institutions. The declaration of an emergency underscores the urgency of these reforms.

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

Sign in to ask a question.