H.B. No. 1500 seeks to amend the Government Code to enhance the operations of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) by introducing a voluntary certification course for procurement of information resources technologies and annual training for upper management at state agencies. The DIR is tasked with developing a certification course that contributes to continuing education requirements for individuals with purchasing or contract management certifications. Additionally, the bill establishes a governance structure for the DIR, creating a board of 11 members, extending the DIR's sunset provision to September 1, 2037, and requiring advisory committees to represent a diverse cross-section of the department's customers.

The bill also introduces two new advisory committees focused on improving information security and customer service within state agencies. It mandates annual cybersecurity training for all state agency employees and local government officials, as well as biennial information security assessments. Furthermore, the bill streamlines existing provisions related to information security and governance, ensuring a more efficient regulatory framework. It is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes provisions for transitioning board members and their training obligations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2054.003, Government Code 61.003, Government Code 2054.021, Government Code 2054.024, Government Code 2054.033, Government Code 2054.035, Government Code 2054.036, Government Code 2054.055, Government Code 2054.075, Government Code 2054.097, Government Code 2054.2606, Government Code 2054.456, Government Code 2054.515, Government Code 2054.5191 (Government Code 2054, Government Code 61)
House Committee Report: Government Code 2054.003, Government Code 61.003, Government Code 2054.021, Government Code 2054.024, Government Code 2054.033, Government Code 2054.035, Government Code 2054.036, Government Code 2054.055, Government Code 2054.075, Government Code 2054.097, Government Code 2054.2606, Government Code 2054.456, Government Code 2054.515, Government Code 2054.5191 (Government Code 2054, Government Code 61)