Bill > HB418

This bill mandates that state agencies prioritize the consideration and use of open source software and open data formats, which are defined as software and data specifications that are free to use, modify, and distribute without restrictions, and are accessible and interoperable across different systems. The bill aims to reduce state costs associated with software acquisition and maintenance, ensure long-term data accessibility independent of specific vendors, and promote interoperability by requiring agencies to acquire software that adheres to open standards and avoid products that transmit data without authorization or allow external control of state computer systems. It also establishes a statewide information policy for open government data, emphasizing principles like completeness, timeliness, accessibility, and non-proprietary formats, and requires agencies to maintain an inventory of the software they use and designate a contact person for open data standards.