Senate creates Information Technology Commission and new IT code to coordinate state tech policy

SALT LAKE CITY — The Senate on Jan. 27 unanimously approved SB94, a measure to consolidate information technology provisions in state code and create an Information Technology Commission (ITC) and a separate policy-and-strategy committee.

What SB94 says: Senator Steele, sponsor of the bill, told the chamber SB94 codifies a state policy that ‘‘technology should be used to enhance the quality of life for all Utahns’’ and would set up a 21‑member commission that includes legislative appointees, executive appointees (including the state chief information officer) and up to nine public members representing providers, developers, consumers, local government and education.

Duties and structure: the commission would prepare reports and recommendations to the legislature on IT projects and legislation; the legislation also creates an information technology policy and strategy committee to address higher‑level, governor‑led strategy while the ITC serves as a legislative clearinghouse. Senator Steele said the bill also clarifies membership, replacement terms and responsibilities for the state chief information officer.

Floor discussion focused on appointment authority and legislative oversight. Senator Bueller asked why some appointments move from governor to legislative appointment; Steele said the commission was structured as a legislative body to create legislative oversight while maintaining executive participation through other statutory roles.

Outcome: The Senate recorded a unanimous roll‑call (29 ayes) and advanced the bill to third reading.