Alabama Administrative Code Title 471 - ALABAMA OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Title 471 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT). The OIT is an autonomous state agency, established under the Code of Alabama 1975, §§41-28-1 et seq. Its primary mission is to streamline and consolidate information technology (IT) functions across Alabama state government, aiming for efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced service delivery to citizens.
The regulations under Title 471 focus on defining the OIT's organizational structure, its powers and duties, and establishing foundational policies and standards for IT management within state agencies.
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters and areas covered, based on the typical structure of administrative codes and the specific information available for OIT:
Chapter 471-X-1 - Organization: This is the foundational chapter and typically contains:
471-X-1-.01 - Name and Legal Authority: States the official name of the agency ("Office of Information Technology" or "State of Alabama Office of Information Technology" or "OIT") and cites the empowering state statutes (Code of Ala. 1975, §§41-28-1 et seq.).
471-X-1-.02 - Purpose and Composition: Details the overarching purpose of OIT, which is to streamline and consolidate IT functions, reduce costs, and effectively utilize information technology to serve the state and its citizens. It also outlines the role of the Secretary of Information Technology as the chief administrative and executive officer and State Chief Information Officer (CIO).
471-X-1-.03 - Powers and Duties: Enumerates the specific powers and duties granted to OIT and the Secretary of Information Technology by state law. This includes the authority to:
Promulgate rules, regulations, and policies.
Establish procedures and standards for the management and operation of IT by state agencies.
Manage state information resources.
Oversee IT procurement (including participation in multi-vendor and cooperative agreements).
Provide IT services and support to state executive-branch departments, agencies, offices, boards, commissions, bureaus, and authorities.
Advise the Governor on IT policy.
471-X-1-.04 - Electronic Records and Signatures: This crucial rule establishes OIT's policy regarding the use of electronic records and electronic signatures. In accordance with Alabama's Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), OIT defines how it will create, generate, communicate, store, process, use, and rely upon electronic records and signatures. It also addresses the creation and retention of electronic records, including the ability to convert paper records to electronic form and destroy original paper documents under certain conditions.
471-X-1-.05 - Use of Electronic Records and Signatures by State Agencies: This rule would likely extend the policies and standards for electronic records and signatures from OIT itself to other state agencies, promoting consistency and legal validity across government.
471-X-1-.06 - Open Records Requests: Outlines OIT's procedures for handling requests for public records, ensuring compliance with Alabama's public records laws.
OIT's Broader Role and Policies:
Beyond the administrative code, the OIT also establishes a comprehensive set of State IT Policies, Standards, and Guidelines that serve as a baseline governance library for all state executive-branch entities. These policies cover critical areas such as:
Cybersecurity: Frameworks for protecting the state's digital assets, including incident response, risk management, and data protection.
Data Governance: Policies related to data management, quality, and access.
Cloud Computing: Standards and guidelines for state agencies utilizing cloud services.
Network Management: Rules for state network infrastructure.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI): As a rapidly evolving area, OIT is also developing policies and a task force to guide the responsible and productive use of GenAI in state government.
IT Procurement: Detailed procedures for acquiring IT goods and services.
In essence, Title 471 of the Alabama Administrative Code, coupled with OIT's broader policy framework, provides the necessary structure and authority for the Alabama Office of Information Technology to serve as the central governing and service-providing entity for IT across Alabama state government, aiming to enhance efficiency, security, and the delivery of digital services.
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