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Technology coalition urges law to prevent restrictive software licensing that limits cloud portability
Summary
The Coalition for Fair Software Licensing told lawmakers that restrictive licensing by legacy software vendors can create vendor lock, add unnecessary cost and complicate cybersecurity; the group urged passage of HB 7127 to require government purchasers be able to deploy licensed software in an environment of their choosing.
A coalition of companies represented by Scott Drexel testified in support of HB 7127, a bill intended to limit restrictive software licensing practices that can prevent public purchasers from deploying licensed software in the computing environment they prefer.
Drexel said the coalition’s members include technology firms and other companies concerned that some legacy software vendors restrict where government customers may run software licensed for public‑sector use — effectively forcing customers to buy or use a vendor’s cloud service rather than deploy on‑premises or in alternative clouds. He said such restrictions can produce vendor lock, hinder modernization and create unnecessary cybersecurity risk.
Drexel pointed out that similar laws have been enacted in several states (Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, New Hampshire) and that federal attention has increased: the Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry into licensing and cloud practices and the U.S. House passed the S.O.M.O.R.A. Act requiring agencies to review license portability. He said HB 7127 is narrowly tailored to preserve customers’ ability to choose deployment environments for software purchased with public funds and to avoid wasteful overspend.
DAS staff had previously submitted written testimony noting concerns and Drexel said his coalition had been in touch with agency staff to find mutually acceptable language.
Ending: Drexel asked lawmakers to move HB 7127 forward and said the coalition will work with state agencies to address implementation details.
