Proposal made to revamp how the state upgrades its software

Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia) wants to make sure technology issues with the state’s new licensing and registration system don’t happen again.

His bill, HF3570, was introduced Thursday afternoon. It would reform how the state’s information technology agency, known as MN.IT, goes about upgrading software systems.

The bill would require MN.IT to put out a request for proposal to see if the software it needs is already available. If it’s not, the bill would allow the Legislature to appropriate funds so MN.IT can build it. 

“Before we decide to go out and invent something completely on our own, let’s first look for what other solutions may exist,” Nash said at a morning news conference.

Nash noted that after the failed rollout of MNLARS, he sees a need to put a process and procedures in place so when the state needs new software – and he assured everyone it will – there will be no surprises.

“I think it only makes sense that we utilize software that’s already out there, if it’s there and proven effective. Because that’s a good way to keep our costs down and make sure things are working well for Minnesota,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett (R-Albert Lea), who spoke in support of the bill.

Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) spoke to reporters in response to Nash’s bill, expressing frustration with the lack of action to fund fixes for MNLARS, saying these urgent fixes need to be done first.

He did not comment on whether he supports Nash’s bill because he hasn’t read it yet.