The bill amends Section 9-27-6 of the New Mexico Statutes to clarify the responsibilities and powers of the Secretary of the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) regarding the approval of information technology procurement and projects by state agencies. Key changes include the deletion of the requirement for the Secretary to approve agency information technology requests for proposals before final approval and the introduction of a new provision that mandates the Secretary to promulgate rules for oversight of agency information technology projects. Additionally, the Secretary is now tasked with approving agency information technology projects prior to procurement, rather than contracts and amendments, and is required to develop procedures for standardizing data elements and ensuring data sharing among executive agencies.

The bill also outlines the Secretary's role as the chief information officer, emphasizing the need for compliance with state information architecture and the strategic plan for information technology. It includes provisions for conducting background checks on employees with access to sensitive information, submitting agency information technology plans, and establishing a state information technology strategic plan that must be updated every three years. Furthermore, the Secretary is empowered to apply for public or private funds to support the department's programs and is authorized to recommend legislation to address overlapping information technology functions among executive agencies.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 9-27-6