Bill > HB5195

This bill mandates a comprehensive digital modernization effort for Texas state agency websites and online services, requiring each agency to assess their internet presence and identify improvements in user accessibility, navigation, and efficiency. Agencies must consider strategies like simplifying user access to forms and services, reducing paperwork through electronic alternatives, ensuring web accessibility for people with disabilities, implementing responsive web design that works across desktop and mobile devices, and adopting best practices for search functionality and page load speed. The Department of Information Resources will provide guidance and technical assistance, develop best practices for user-centered design, and create web templates to ensure consistency across state websites. The department must establish a working group of state technology officers and submit a legislative report by November 15, 2026, detailing modernization efforts. Additionally, agencies will conduct biennial reviews of their digital modernization efforts, assessing cost-efficiency, public access improvements, and compliance with statewide guidance. The department will then prepare and submit a report to state leadership based on these agency reviews. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and includes provisions that expire in 2027 and 2031, ensuring ongoing evaluation and improvement of state digital services.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5195