The bill introduces significant changes to the management and procurement of information technology services within state agencies, mandating that each agency independently manage its IT services while the Information Services Division of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services retains its cybersecurity responsibilities. It requires state agencies to submit an annual electronic report to the Governor and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) regarding their IT services. The bill also creates the position of CIO, appointed by the Governor, with a salary range of $130,000 to $160,000, and outlines eligibility requirements for the role. Additionally, it establishes the Oklahoma Government Telecommunications Network (OGTN) to unify telecommunications systems across state entities, managed by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

Moreover, the bill amends various sections of the Oklahoma State Finance Act and county purchasing procedures, removing references to the Information Services Division in the purchasing process and directing county purchasing agents to collaborate with the Purchasing Division. It streamlines procurement processes by establishing new provisions for the certification of procurement officers and enhancing the oversight responsibilities of the State Purchasing Director. The bill also introduces a fee structure for training provided to state agencies and allows for the use of reverse auctions in procurement. Significant deletions include the removal of specific purchasing thresholds and the requirement for the Information Services Division to review certain purchases, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025, alongside an emergency clause for immediate implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19-1505, 62-34.11.1, 62-34.32, 74-85.5, 62-34.11.8, 62-34.12
Committee Substitute: 19-1505, 62-34.11.1, 62-34.32, 74-85.5, 62-34.11.8, 62-34.12