Statutory modifications, MN.IT name change get overwhelming House approval

MN.IT Services could be getting a new name.

That is one part of a bill focused largely on technical corrections for the statute that establishes the Office of Minnesota IT Services.

Sponsored by Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove), HF609, as amended, was passed 100-32 Monday by the House. It now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Mark Koran (R-North Branch) is the sponsor.

“The bill addresses recommendations made by the Office of the Legislative Auditor and it incorporates recommendations from the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Council on Information Technology,” Bahner said. There is no cost, nor would it change the responsibility of its commissioner.

The most front-facing change is the legal name of Office of MN.IT Services would become the Department of Minnesota Internet Technology Services. Bahner said the change would make it consistent with other departments that report directly to the executive branch.

Other changes include:

• striking obsolete language;
• solidifying roles of MN.IT as a provider of technology services to the executive branch;
• making minor changes in project registration and reporting requirements to, in part, add greater transparency; and
• renaming the existing Technology Advisory Committee the Technology Advisory Council and adding nine new members, including legislators and representatives with private or public sector IT experience.

“This is the culmination of a lot of work by the blue ribbon council and has been vetted by Republican and Democrat members of the blue ribbon council and the very many members of the private sector and the folks from MN.IT,” said Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia).