HB5195 - Relating to modernization of state agency Internet websites and digital services.

      H.B. No. 5195         AN ACT   relating to modernization of state agency Internet websites and   digital services.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 2054, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter S to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER S. MODERNIZATION OF STATE AGENCY INTERNET WEBSITES AND   DIGITAL SERVICES           Sec.   2054.651.     STATE AGENCY DIGITAL MODERNIZATION. Each   state agency shall assess the agency's Internet website and online   service portals to identify areas for improvement in user   accessibility, navigation, and digital service efficiency. In   performing the assessment, a state agency shall consider:                 (1)     strategies to simplify user access to forms,   applications, and agency services;                 (2)     opportunities to reduce or eliminate paperwork   requirements if electronic alternatives exist;                 (3)     enhancements to ensure compliance with   accessibility standards under Subchapter M;                 (4)     using responsive web design to ensure the agency's   Internet website is equally accessible using a desktop computer,   laptop computer, or mobile device, including a tablet or cellular   telephone;                 (5)     adopting best practices for search functionality,   page load speed, and service integration; and                 (6)     using the department's web page templates and web   design guidelines to provide consistency among state agency   Internet websites and improve the usability of the website.           Sec.   2054.652.     INTERAGENCY GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT. (a) In   this section, "user-centered design" means a design approach   focused on optimizing the user experience by improving Internet   website navigation, accessibility, and responsiveness.           (b)     The department shall provide guidance and technical   assistance for use by state agencies in standardizing agency   modernization planning efforts required by Section 2054.651.           (c)     The department shall develop and disseminate best   practices for user-centered design, digital accessibility, and   service integration, including web page templates and web design   guidelines that provide a consistent look for state agency Internet   websites and simplify user navigation.           (d)     The department may establish a working group of state   agency technology officers to facilitate information sharing and   support consistency across agencies.           Sec.   2054.653.     LEGISLATIVE REPORT. (a) Not later than   November 15, 2026, the department shall submit a report to the   legislature detailing the status of the state agency digital   modernization planning efforts required by this subchapter and   identifying common priorities and challenges.           (b)  This section expires January 1, 2027.           Sec.   2054.654.     REVIEW OF DIGITAL MODERNIZATION EFFORTS.   (a) Each state agency, in coordination with the department and the   Legislative Budget Board, shall:                 (1)     biennially review the implementation of the   agency's digital modernization efforts under this subchapter,   including a review of the:                       (A)     cost-efficiency of the agency's digital   modernization efforts;                       (B)     effectiveness of digital service upgrades in   improving public access; and                       (C)     agency's compliance with any statewide   guidance relating to digital modernization; and                 (2)     submit the findings of the review described by   Subdivision (1) to the department.           (b)     Not later than December 1 of each odd-numbered year, the   department shall prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant   governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives a report   on the findings submitted under Subsection (a)(2).           (c)  This section expires September 1, 2031.          SECTION 2.  The Department of Information Resources shall   submit the initial report required by Section 2054.654(b),   Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than December 1,   2027.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 5195 was passed by the House on May 8,   2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 146, Nays 0, 1 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 5195 was passed by the Senate on May   21, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor