COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Executive Order 51 (99)

Implementing Certain Recommendations by the Governor's Commission on Information Technology

By virtue of the authority vested in me under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to Sections 2.1-39.1 and 2.1-41.1 of the Code of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish policies and procedures for the implementation of recommendations by the Governor's Commission on Information Technology by all Executive Branch agencies, institutions, and employees.

Preamble

In December 1998, the Governor's Commission on Information Technology issued a series of recommendations, contained in its report "Toward A Comprehensive Internet Policy for the Commonwealth of Virginia," related to the expanding use of the Internet and electronic commerce in Virginia. The 1999 General Assembly enacted several pieces of legislation that, taken together, embody the Commission's recommendations for a Virginia Internet Policy Act.

In addition, the Commission made a number of recommendations specific to state government agencies and institutions that can be implemented administratively. These recommendations recognize that the Internet is a tremendous tool for effectively and efficiently delivering government services to the citizens and businesses of the Commonwealth. These recommendations also recognize that access to the Internet is essential to full participation in the modern economy. No sector of the Commonwealth's citizens should be left without access to this important resource.

Definitions

In this order, the Council on Information Management (CIM) shall be referred to as the Department of Technology Planning (DTP), pursuant to legislation enacted by the 1999 General Assembly effective July 1, 1999.

Specific Policies

A. All Executive Branch agencies and institutions shall develop plans for delivering current and expanded services through the Internet and shall submit these plans to the Department of Technology Planning (DTP) for review no later than June 1, 2000. Such plans shall maximize workstation access to Web-based transactions by agency and institution employees for use in their work assignments and in their status as state employees. In developing such plans, agencies and institutions are encouraged to consider partnering, where appropriate, with the Virginia Information Providers Network Authority (VIPNet) to deliver such services. The VIPNet Authority Board of Directors will review the partnership opportunities, issues and needs expressed in these plans for potential inclusion in its annual business plan.

B. No later than December 31, 2000, all Executive Branch agencies shall make available via the Internet all forms needed by citizens in interacting with state government.

C. The Department of Information Technology (DIT) shall coordinate the efforts of Executive Branch agencies and institutions to leverage the buying power of state government in regard to telecommunications services. Special attention shall be paid to aggregating state demand for high-speed telecommunication services in rural or under-served areas where there is a legitimate need for such services by state and/or local government. Private sector providers will be encouraged to recognize the commercial viability of offering such services in such areas.

D. DIT shall develop policies and procedures regarding access to state databases and data communications in order to ensure the security of such databases from unauthorized use, intrusion, or other security threats. DIT shall coordinate the implementation of such policies and procedures with agencies maintaining databases hosted outside of the State Data Center.

E. DTP, working with the Council on Technology Services, shall develop guidelines to ensure agencies' full compliance with all privacy legislation and regulations. Every agency collecting and storing information involving the personal data of individuals shall develop detailed procedures regarding the privacy of all such personal data in its possession, consistent with such guidelines and the Privacy Protection Act of 1976.

F. The Secretary of Technology and the Secretary of Administration, working with the Council on Technology Services, shall jointly develop uniform guidelines for clear and explicit privacy polices and practices for agency Web sites. Every agency shall adhere to these guidelines in its practices and shall post on its Web site a privacy policy that conforms to such guidelines.

G. The Commission's recommendation that DTP promote privacy best practices by both public and private entities shall be incorporated into DTP's proposed Technology Best Practices Center.

H. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), with the assistance of VIPNet, shall provide via the Internet education to Virginia consumers on responsible use of the Web for purchases of goods and services and the conduct of other personal business transactions. Information provided may include, but need not be limited to, common practices of Internet-based commerce, privacy and security considerations, determination of secure Web sites for conducting financial transactions (including "seal" or certification programs), links to other relevant consumer information sites, consumer frauds and scams, and, to the extent that VDACS deems appropriate, records of complaints and legal actions related to specific Web sites.

I. The Secretary of Technology, with the assistance of DIT, DTP, and VIPNet, shall review available alternatives and recommend a plan to facilitate the use and authentication of electronic signatures by both the public and private sectors in the Commonwealth. This plan shall be submitted to the Governor no later than November 1, 1999.

J. Agencies and institutions shall follow the Secretary of Technology's guidance in incorporating into their proposed plans for Web-enabled government the use of electronic signature technology for both internal and external transactions.

This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until June 30, 2002, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 23rd day of July, 1999.

Governor James S. Gilmore, III

Attest: Secretary of the Commonwealth Anne P. Petera

Executive Orders Issued by the Current Governor

Executive Orders in Effect

© Commonwealth of Virginia 2000

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