New commission proposed to oversee state IT programs

Information technology is constantly changing, and some legislators want to be more proactive when it comes to upgrading the state’s systems.

Sponsored by Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia), HF2774 would create a commission to oversee the work of state IT programs, including MNIT – the state’s information technology agency that helped implement the beleaguered motor vehicle licensing and registration system known as MNLARS.

The bill, as amended, was approved by the House Government Operations and Elections Policy Committee on Tuesday and referred to the House State Government Finance Committee. It has no Senate companion.

The commission would be made up of eight legislators – four from each chamber, equally divided by political party – and two people with IT backgrounds who would be appointed by the commission. Its duties would include monitoring, reviewing and making recommendations on policy and finances related to IT, including proposals that would affect MNIT.

Nash said the commission would help legislators better understand and be proactive – not just reactive – about the state’s IT needs so they can make “more informed decisions” when it comes to appropriating funds for large technology projects.  

Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) brought up the problems with MNLARS, which arose after a decades-old IT system was updated. He noted that many companies upgrade their IT equipment at least every five years to stay current.

Nelson, who called IT “basic infrastructure” like roads and bridges, said the state has many IT systems that are going to have to be upgraded going forward and “we need to be looking at that.”