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DHS outlines digital modernization needs; officials plan prioritized projects and to use enhanced FMAP funds first
Summary
DHS described a long list of legacy software needs — including a multi‑year CCWIS child welfare system estimated at $50–$60 million — and said agency leaders are prioritizing projects, identifying funding, and plan to use remaining enhanced FMAP funds before requesting new appropriations.
Department of Human Services leaders told the Appropriations and Budget Committee the agency has dozens of digital modernization requests and is prioritizing projects by cost, time and impact.
Cartmell said DHS received roughly 66–67 digital transformation requests across divisions and is separating them into large multi‑year projects and smaller upgrades. He named the child welfare information system (CCWIS) as a major multi‑year effort, estimating it could be a “$50 or $60,000,000 project.” Cartmell said the agency is cataloging estimated cost, timeline and funding source for each project.
Why it matters: Modernized systems can shorten application and approval timelines, improve customer service and reduce staff workload. Cartmell cited STARS implementation as an example: he said adult family services application turnaround dropped from 20–30 days to under 7 days and phone wait times improved at times from 20–30 minutes to under two minutes.
Funding approach and vendor considerations
- Funding: Cartmell said DHS will first look to enhanced FMAP funds available from recent years and other carryover before requesting new appropriations for large projects.
- Vendor interoperability: Cartmell told members DHS plans to require that new systems have the ability to interoperate with software other state agencies use so data exchange is possible even if agencies adopt different platforms.
Discussion versus decisions
Committee members asked whether the agency had included specific modernization projects in its FY‑26 request; Cartmell said the financing plan is being developed and DHS will avoid initiating large multi‑year projects without confirmed funding and committee engagement.
Ending
Cartmell committed to share the agency’s prioritization spreadsheet with members so the committee can see costs, timelines and proposed funding sources for specific modernization projects.
