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ETS briefs committee on bills it is tracking, including benefits hub and AI task force
Summary
ETS staff reviewed a short list of bills in the legislative session that mention Enterprise Technology Services, including HB2597 (open data portal), SB2693 (permitting data standard), HB1676 (AI educational task force) and HB2114 (Hawaii benefits hub); ETS said it supports partnership roles and emphasized departmental leadership on eligibility systems.
Office of Enterprise Technology Services staff briefed the advisory committee on legislation the office is actively tracking during the current legislative session.
Staff said ETS is monitoring a short list of bills that explicitly mention the office. They highlighted HB2597, which would require enhancements to the state open-data portal; SB2693, which would establish a state permitting data standard coordinated by the Office of Planning and Sustainability with the chief data officer; and HB1676, which would create an AI educational task force to develop guidelines for AI use in public education. ETS staff said the office generally supports these bills’ intents while stressing the need for subject-matter leadership and collaboration with departments.
On HB2114 HD1, which would establish a Hawaii benefits hub within ETS, staff described ETS’s intended role as a technology and data-integration partner while eligibility programs and policy decisions should remain led by subject-matter departments such as the Department of Human Services. "Something as complicated and big as this requires a significant amount of planning," staff said, and they noted federal rules increasing complexity for benefit eligibility systems.
On procurement, staff noted SB2662 SD1 would require agencies to provide justification for hiring external consultants. Presenters said many departments rely on vendor partnerships for heavy lifts and that ETS and other departments plan to provide testimony to ensure necessary operational flexibility remains.
Committee members asked about other bills and requested ETS examine HB1949 (green-fee dashboard) to determine whether ETS should advise on technical standards. ETS staff said they would review the request and provide follow-up information.
No formal policy votes were taken on these bills at the meeting; staff said they had filed testimony on some measures and would continue to coordinate with departments and legislators.
