Date: 08/17/2009

Final
Websense

COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Move to allow Legislative Information Services to PASS



11:52 AM -- Websense

President Shaffer brought up the issue of Websense, the legislature's web security software, under other committee business. He talked about the effect the blockage has on the ability of staff to communicate and research issues. Representative Weissmann stated that he would like to remove the program.

11:54 AM

Mike Mauer, Director, Legislative Council Staff, asked the committee to consider some issues before completely removing Websense. He talked about the virus blockers, anti-advertising settings, and the importance of leaving basic security protections intact.

11:54 AM -- Michael Adams, Director, Legislative Information Services, testified on the Websense issue. He stated that one of the main advantages in having the program is that it is a pro-active way to stop potential harmful sites. Representative May asked whether Websense is used in place of anti virus protection. Mr. Adams explained that Websense protects against web destinations and that other anti viral programs are used in addition to Wensense. Representative May asked how much money is paid for Websense and who decides what is blocked. Mr. Adams stated that it costs about $8,000 a year and that he took Websense's recommendation in what should be blocked and then received input from the directors of the Legislative Management Team regarding any additional changes. He explained that some sites are quota timed and not completely blocked. Senator Penry stated that the biggest problem is media streaming. Senator Morse asked about taking streaming off. Senator Penry listed some sites that are blocked and causing problems for staff and asked why they were blocked. There was a discussion about why certain types of sites are blocked.

12:05 PM

Representative May said he has an issue having people decide what sites are allowed and what are not. Speaker Carroll talked about finding a middle ground that would provide security and also not block everything. President Shaffer talked about the number of complaints he has received about the amount of blockage. He suggested tabling the issue until the next meeting to allow Mr. Adams to offer suggestions. Senator Penry suggested having Mr. Adams hold a meeting with staff and come up with an agreement. There was a discussion about having the Executive Committee be the body that decides what sites are blocked under the program.

BILL:Websense
TIME: 12:13:07 PM
MOVED:Penry
MOTION:Move to allow Legislative Information Services to work with staff in order to make suggested changes to Websense. The motion passed 6-0.
SECONDED:
VOTE
May
Yes
Morse
Yes
Penry
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Carroll T.
Yes
Shaffer B.
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS




12:14 PM

The committee adjourned.