AR HB1557

Expands the definition of "information technology" to explicitly include hardware, software, networking, data management, cybersecurity, privacy, third-party hosting, and emerging technology

Requires the Division of Information Systems to develop a unified biennial statewide IT plan that includes disaster recovery plans, approved project lists, detailed IT asset inventories, and budget information for each state agency

Establishes centralized IT governance with authority to set and enforce statewide minimum mandatory standards, oversee procurement, eliminate duplicative services, and negotiate enterprise pricing across all state agencies

Prohibits state agencies from acquiring IT products or services without Division approval unless purchases are $5,000 or less from an approved list, or between $5,000-$20,000 on a statewide contract; custom software development requires written director authorization

Mandates annual reporting to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology covering system performance metrics, cost comparisons, user satisfaction, and project approvals for the upcoming fiscal year