The bill aims to amend the law regarding the Division of Information Systems in Arkansas by abolishing the Data and Transparency Panel. Key provisions include the repeal of existing sections that outline the panel's creation, duties, and membership, specifically removing the Chief Data Officer's responsibility to oversee the panel. The bill eliminates the structure and functions of the Data and Transparency Panel, which included evaluating data for a statewide data warehouse program and providing annual reports to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology.

In place of the abolished panel, the bill introduces new provisions under a section titled "Statewide data integration and exchange." This section mandates the Division of Information Systems to oversee a statewide data program, maintain a longitudinal data system, and establish policies for data sharing and security. It also requires each cabinet-level department to assign a data steward responsible for implementing data governance policies and coordinating data integration. The Division is tasked with providing an annual report to the Joint Committee, ensuring continued oversight and accountability in data management within the state.

Statutes affected:
HB 1548: 25-4-126(b), 25-4-127, 25-4-128