Legislative panel approves partial expansion of DPS Research and Planning Technology team

The joint legislative subcommittee approved restructuring and partial expansion of the Department of Public Safety’s Research and Planning Technology team, endorsing one new IT manager post and transferring four positions from other DPS accounts, while declining one recommended IT professional position.

Tom Weber of the LCB Fiscal Analysis Division summarized the governor’s recommendation to transfer multiple positions and add two new IT roles to centralize technical functions within DPS. The proposal would fund an IT manager and an IT professional, plus transfer four existing positions into the Director’s Office to create a consolidated Research and Planning Technology team intended to bring law enforcement applications back under DPS oversight.

Chair Taylor moved an amendment to approve only the IT manager and the transfer of four positions while not approving the IT professional position (decision unit E285 partially granted; decision units E501, E502, E901 and E903 for transfers approved). Assemblymember Brown‑May seconded the motion and it carried by voice vote.

Discussion and context: fiscal staff noted the 82nd Legislature previously authorized transfers to create the team and the department said the expanded structure would reduce reliance on the Office of the Chief Information Officer for law enforcement applications. DPS indicated it will evaluate the effectiveness of the approved positions and request additional resources in future biennia if needed.

Implementation: the approved IT manager will report to the director and deputy director and is intended to lead the centralized team; the funding approved includes cost allocation reimbursements for the transfer and the new manager position. The subcommittee authorized fiscal staff to make technical adjustments as needed.