focuses on the issue of a rapid earthquake alert system for emergency response and a CIO cost- benefit and feasibility analysis.

    Mr. Kevin VanAusdal, Project Director for the UTAX Project, Utah State Tax Commission, explained that UTAX is a major systems initiative to consolidate all of the tax collection and reporting systems into an integrated solution.

    Chair Steele suggested that Mr. Moon mail or e-mail the governor's budget recommendations relating to IT requests to commission members.

    Mr. Michael Kjar, Office of Legislative Fiscal Analyst, distributed a handout titled "Information Technology Funding - Utah Legislative Branch - FY 1998 - 2000." He also discussed the funding requests as outlined.

    Dr. Mike Petersen, Utah State Office of Higher Education, spoke about the higher education technology initiative. He explained that providing adequate salaries to key personnel is vital in meeting the initiatives.

    Mr. Wayne Peay, Board of Regents, distributed a handout titled "USHE Technology & Distance Education Initiative," and discussed the 1999/2000 funding proposal.

    Mr. Fred Hunsaker, Utah Office of Higher Education, spoke about efforts by higher education to more accurately determine budget needs for the Y2K.

    Mr. Norm Tarbox, Utah Office of Higher Education, distributed a document titled "USHE Y2K Funding Needs," and discussed the needs in specific categories.

    Mr. Rolen Yoshinaga, Administrative Office of the Courts Judicial Branch, discussed IT funding issues for the Judicial Branch as outlined in the handout titled "Information Technology Funding - FY 1998-2000."

     MOTION: Rep. Chard moved that staff draft a letter to the Executive Appropriations Committee supporting concern for the following items:
    a.    IT personnel retention problems;
    b.    Continuing efforts to provide government services online as well as encouraging the expansion of effective electronic commerce;
    c.    The Y2K problem is real and requires significant effort and money;
    d.    Encourage agencies to be creative in their solution to these problems by using federal grants and other forms of funding; and
    e.    Create a strategic policy for upgrading and replacing existing old computer systems.

    The motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Peterson absent for the vote. Judge Wilkins abstained from voting stating, "There are a number of items on the agenda that involve proposals for legislative action. As a public official in the judicial branch, in light of the recent decision of our Supreme Court, which I don't thoroughly understand yet, it appears that there may be some question as to whether or not I can legally advise on legislative matters. And, as a judge of the Court of Appeals, I would prefer to be recorded as abstaining and would ask that you consider, in language to be used, that the proposition passed without opposition, as opposed to showing some dissension, because I intend no dissension."

3.    Digital Television Presentation & Demonstration - Mr. Steve Hess, Utah Education Network (EDNET), discussed funding requests for EDNET, Utah LINK, and KULC/KUED. He also said that all TV stations have been asked to convert to digital television within the next five years.

    Mr. Fred Esplin, KUED, briefed the commission on digital television and gave a demonstration. He also distributed a handout titled "Public Television in the Digital Age - Advancing Education and Economic Development in Utah."

4.    Draft Legislation - Rep. Gene Davis, introduced draft legislation titled "Financial Identity Fraud." He explained that the bill criminalizes the unlawful use of personal financial information, provides for a felony penalty, and authorizes the Division of Consumer Protection to investigate any financial identity fraud as provided in their organic act.

     MOTION: Mr. Capps moved to amend draft legislation titled "Financial Identity Fraud" as follows:
    Page 2, line 15:    delete "shall" and insert "may"
    Page 2, line 24:    delete "and" and insert "or"
The motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Peterson absent for the vote. Judge Wilkins abstained from voting.

     MOTION: Ms. Longsworth moved to approve, as a commission bill, draft legislation titled "Financial Identity Fraud" as amended. The motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Peterson absent for the vote. Judge Wilkins abstained from voting.

    Mr. Moon, CIO, distributed draft legislation titled "Information Technology Restructuring" and explained the bill.

     MOTION: Mr. Genereaux moved to endorse, as a commission bill, draft legislation titled "Information Technology Restructuring." The motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Peterson absent for the vote. Judge Wilkins abstained from voting.
    Mr. North explained draft legislation titled "Electronic Transmission of Tax Information."

     MOTION: Mr. Hood moved to amend draft legislation "Electronic Transmission of Tax Information" as follows:
    Page 2, line 23:    before "notice" insert "written."

The motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Peterson absent for the vote. Judge Wilkins abstained from voting.

     MOTION: Mr. Moon moved to endorse, as a commission bill, draft legislation "Electronic Transmission of Tax Information," as amended. The motion passed unanimously, with Mr. Peterson absent for the vote. Judge Wilkins abstained from voting.

    After discussion of draft legislation titled "Patients Right To Own Medical Record," the commission chose to go to the next item on the agenda.

5.    Other Business - Mr. Moon discussed a document titled "Request for Information Electronic Delivery of Government Services" which was mailed to commission members prior to the meeting. He asked members to read the document and call his office with comments or suggestions.

    An article from the Internet titled "US postpones regulations to give insurers one year to find and fix Y2K bugs," was distributed.

    Mr. North distributed a handout prepared by the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst titled "Information Technology Budgets for Fiscal Year 2000." He discussed the budget process for next year and asked members for comments or recommendations.

    Chair Steele expressed his appreciation to commission members and staff for their effort and hard work during the past year.

6.    Adjournment -

    MOTION: Ms. Gibbs moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.