89R8845 LRM-F     By: Cook H.B. No. 4822       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a comprehensive review of the centralized accounting   and payroll system by the Department of Information Resources.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS. In this Act:                (1)  "Department" means the Department of Information   Resources.                (2)  "System" means the centralized accounting and   payroll system developed under Sections 2101.031, 2101.035, and   2101.036, Government Code.          SECTION 2.  COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM REVIEW. (a) The   department shall conduct a comprehensive review of the system to   assess:                (1)  system effectiveness in:                      (A)  satisfying state agencies' financial and   personnel management needs, including payroll;                      (B)  maintaining data security;                      (C)  maintaining compliance with state and   federal regulations; and                      (D)  ensuring transparency in financial   reporting;                (2)  any financial benefits to this state resulting   from the system's implementation and operation, including cost   savings and increased efficiencies;                (3)  any potential financial risks to this state in   operating the system; and                (4)  system impact on state agency operational   efficiency, including:                      (A)  integration with other technology systems;                      (B)  ease of use;                      (C)  personnel training requirements; and                      (D)  personnel efficiency.          (b)  The department shall evaluate the system to determine   whether the system operates within the strategic goals of this   state's digital services strategy, including the system's   compatibility with continuing legacy modernization initiatives.          (c)  In conducting the review, the department shall consider   comments from interested persons, including state agency   representatives, external auditors, and other experts.          SECTION 3.  REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS. (a) Not later than   September 1, 2026, the department shall submit a report to the   governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of   representatives, and each standing committee of the senate and   house of representatives with oversight jurisdiction over state   information technology.          (b)  The report required under Subsection (a) of this section   must include:                (1)  the results of the comprehensive review conducted   under Section 2 of this Act, including an analysis of the system's   performance and the financial benefits for and operational impacts   on state agencies;                (2)  any recommendations to improve the system,   including proposed enhancements to system functionality, changes   to operational processes, and any potential cost-saving measures;                (3)  a timeline for implementing any recommended system   improvements, including estimated costs and resource requirements;   and                (4)  specific recommendations for legislative or   administrative actions to address any department-identified   opportunities for improvement of the system or reduction of system   costs.          SECTION 4.  IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS. (a) The   department shall collaborate with the Legislative Budget Board, the   comptroller, and any other relevant state agencies to implement any   administrative recommendations arising from the report required   under Section 3 of this Act.          (b)  The department shall ensure that any system   improvements identified in the report required under Section 3 of   this Act are prioritized and executed in alignment with this   state's digital transformation goals, as detailed in the 2022-2026   State Strategic Plan for Information Resources Management.          SECTION 5.  EXPIRATION DATE. This Act expires January 1,   2027.          SECTION 6.  EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect   immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members   elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas   Constitution.  If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for   immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.