Date: 03/17/2010
Final
Discussion on Judicial Department IT Systems
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND LABOR
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01:36 PM -- Discussion on Judicial Department IT Systems
Representative Rice called the committee to order. He explained that the committee would be talking about the discussion it had with the Judicial Branch, current vendors, and customers regarding the in-house Public Access and E-file Systems on March 10, 2010. Representative Rice distributed a draft letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, House Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, and Members of the Joint Budget Committee outlining the committees thoughts and recommendations about the systems (Attachment A).
01:38 PM
Representative Middleton said she agreed with the letter and talked about the deadlines that were mentioned in the discussion on March 10 to the letter and when a feasibility study could be completed by the Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT). She stated that a study could not be completed until July and suggested acknowledging in the letter that the current time frame for implementing the system could be delayed. Representative Liston agreed with Representative Middleton and said that he does not want to see the branch rush into implementing these systems and suggested there be a one-year review or delay. He said he does not want to see another failed system like the Colorado Benefits Management System. Representative Stephens commented that she believes there needs to be a more thorough discussion about the systems and talked about the time line. She also agreed to having OIT conduct a feasibility study. Representative Soper stated that he would like to see more transparency and talked about the role he feels the committee of reference that would hear the issue should have.
Representative Gagliardi also agreed with mentioning a time line, but did not agree with a year, she is worried about giving them too much time and echoed Representative Soper's comments about not guiding the committee of reference too much. Representative Middleton talked about her involvement in implementing the Banner system at the University of Denver which took about five years and said the fact that this system has only taken two years concerns her. Representative Liston stated that he feels six months is too short and does not think a year is too long and that it is fair when attempting to implement such a system. Representative Middleton said she would like to include that the committee of reference that reviews this system consider what would happen if the branch and the vendors do not come to an agreement and if the system fails whether it becomes a problem of the state. Representative Rice commented on the potential consequences and costs involved if the systems fail. He directed the committee to the last paragraph on page one of the letter which he feels addresses the committees' concerns and read the paragraph.
01:51 PM
Representative Rice asked the committee how it would like to proceed. Representative Middleton said she would not mind adding the points that were mentioned today in to a new letter and then addressing the issue again on a later date. She added that she was unclear of the department's intent in creating these systems and that she would like to add that the committee of reference look into that issue as well along with the delay of up to a year. Representative Rice stated that he would have a new letter drafted that reflects today's discussion and then talk to the members of the committee or bring the issue up again on a later date.