The 2023 Legislative Session has come to a close, and it was a great success for DTS. We have many exciting things to work on during the next year. Here is a summary of the bills passed during the session that will have impact on DTS:

HB0008 State Agency and Higher Education Compensation Appropriations

This bill includes the funding for additional salary and benefit increases for DTS employees for fiscal year 2024. 

• Eligible employees will receive a 5% labor market increase beginning July 1, 2023. 
• In addition, the bill provides funding for health (7.2%)  and dental (0.9%)  insurance benefit increases. 
• Other targeted and discretionary funding details will be available after they are reviewed and approved by agency executive leadership and GOPB.

HB0470 Government Digital Verifiable Records Amendments

This bill required DTS to create recommendations for government on the use of digital verifiable records, and create a pilot program to implement the use of digital verifiable records. 

SB0127 Cybersecurity Amendments

This bill codifies the Cyber Center responsibilities and reporting of security breaches, and requires governmental websites to use an authorized domain by 2025. 

HB0343 Government Records Modifications 

This bill implements recommendations from the State Privacy Commission, and the Chief Privacy Officer. The DGO Chief Privacy Officer will be working closely with all state agencies to implement the requirements to improve data privacy within the State of Utah. DTS will be working with the Privacy Officer to ensure our own data records meet the requirements, including:

• Maintain an inventory of records with PII owned by DTS
• Before January 1, 2026, prepare and maintain privacy annotation for records
• Submit required reports to the Chief Privacy Officer

HB0433 Public Land Geographic Data Amendments

This bill requires UGRC to compile a statewide GIS database of all government-owned property parcels in a map format on an annual basis. 

HB0545 Cybersecurity Infrastructure Modifications

This bill requires DTS to consider implementing policies, standards, and procedures for implementing zero-trust architecture and MFA.

HB0065 Division of Technology Services Amendments

The Security Assessments, in which a third party assessor evaluates the state agencies’ security standards,  will now be conducted every three years. The bill also clarifies the new IT procurement process, giving agencies authority to manage IT contracts. DTS will continue to approve IT procurements. 

We are pleased to announce that Bryan Brown is the new IT Director at the Department of Natural Resources. Bryan has worked in IT for over 29 years. After joining the State of Utah, Bryan has spent six years supporting the Department of Health’s Division of Medicaid and Health Financing where he was instrumental in increasing the confidence of DMHF in DTS and in its capabilities by providing leadership and stability to complete critical DMHF projects, while improving the communication between DTS and DMHF. After the department merger into the new Department of Health and Human Services, Bryan became a Lead Application Manager supporting DTS teams for the Division of Integrated Healthcare, Division of Aging and Adult Services and the Division of Services for People with Disabilities.

At 10:15 a.m. on April 20, 2023, hundreds of thousands of Utahns will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great Utah ShakeOut, the state’s largest earthquake drill ever! Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work, or travel. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your organization, and your community.

DTS will be participating in the drill this year. Be sure to have the contact information of your peers, supervisors, and fellow employees updated in the event an emergency takes place. 

Voting is now open for the 2023 Statescoop 50 Awards. Go here to vote. There are three nominations from Utah: Alan Fuller, Dave Fletcher, Chris Bramwell, and Protecting and Preserving the Great Salt Lake from the Division of Water Resources. According to the Statescoop website, “The StateScoop 50 Awards annually honor the best and the brightest who make state government more efficient and effective. These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of our peers and acknowledge their tireless efforts to make a positive impact in the government IT community and in public service.” Please take a few minutes and vote for your favorites before April 7.