LEGISLATIVE INFO.: INTERNET ACCESS - H.B. 5006 (S-2): FLOOR ANALYSIS

House Bill 5006 (Substitute S-2 as reported)

Sponsor: Representative Lingg Brewer

House Committee: Advanced Technology and Computer Development

Senate Committee: Government Operations

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Legislative Council Act to require the Legislative Council, beginning July 1, 1999, to make available to the public on the Internet, free of charge, the Michigan Compiled Laws database search and retrieval system. The bill states that it would not alter or relinquish any copyright or other proprietary interest or entitlement of the State relating to any of the information made available.

Currently, the Legislative Council Act specifies that the Council may provide access to computerized legislative databases and information to individuals and organizations that are not a part of the legislative branch of government; and establish a system of fees and charges for access and services. House Bill 5006 (S-2) would eliminate reference to a system of fees and charges for access and services.

MCL 4.1204 - Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

The following fiscal statement includes the combined impact of House Bills 4875, 4884, 4886, and 5006.

Revenue generated by the Legislative Council from access fees to electronic databases (Questor and Bill Status) totaled $79,360 in FY 1996-97. Under the bills, the Legislative Council would not be able to charge for information provided from access through the Internet.

The Library of Michigan has already made available on the Internet bills, resolutions, journals, calendars, committee schedules, session schedules, and public act tables. The Michigan Compiled Laws Database search and retrieval system is still being developed for the Internet. Costs incurred by the Library of Michigan have totaled approximately $100,000 for hardware and $400,000 for 5 FTEs related to maintenance of these systems. The project for the Michigan Compiled Laws has an estimated cost of $180,000.

Date Completed: 5-4-98 - Fiscal Analyst: B. BowermanFLOOR\HB5006 - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.