Intergovernmental Board on Electronic Data Processing

Administrative History

The State of California purchased its first piece of data processing equipment in 1956. Over a decade later, Governor Ronald Reagan created the first body to oversee the development of electronic data processing technology in state government. Executive Order R6-67 set up the State Automatic Data Processing Policy Committee to advise the Governor on long-range management services plans, programs and policies regarding electronic data processing. The following year, Chapter 1327, Statutes of 1968 formally established the Intergovernmental Board on Electronic Data Processing, replacing the State Automatic Data Processing Policy Committee. The Board initially consisted of twelve members and alternates appointed by the Governor, representing state agencies, county governments, city governments, and school districts.

The Legislature recognized that electronic data processing was "an indispensable tool of modern government," and set out to specify objectives and definitive policies to implement the use of electronic data processing systems within state government. The enacting statute charged the Board with establishing general policies governing the coordination, cost sharing, and maintenance of intergovernmental information systems. The Board functioned in an advisory capacity to the Legislature and the Governor. The board also worked to set minimum standards of compatibility in electronic data processing, in order to ensure the effective exchange of information statewide.

In addition to these duties, the Board was responsible for recommending legislation to protect individual privacy and confidentiality of information that entered intergovernmental information systems. In 1969, the Board established the Privacy and Security Committee to review and evaluate legislation, recommend legislation, and develop guidelines to ensure individual privacy and the security and confidentiality of intergovernmental information systems.

In 1970, membership on the Board increased from twelve to fourteen members (Chapter 1193, Statutes of 1970). The name, composition and functions of the Board changed again with the passage of Chapter 299, Statutes of 1978. The Board became the Intergovernmental Board on Information Systems, and membership increased to 16 members and alternates. The board also received new responsibilities, which included providing consulting services to aid in the application of intergovernmental information system standards, conducting evaluations of existing intergovernmental information systems, and maintaining an inventory of federal information standards and practices.

During the 1977-1978 legislative session, the Legislature deleted all funding for the board from the State Budget. A $10,000 Emergency Fund Allocation was provided in order for the board to settle any outstanding obligations. Anticipating that the Board could become viable again the following year, the Intergovernmental Board on Information Systems continued to technically exist without operation funds. It was officially dissolved in 1981.

From the guide to the Intergovernmental Board on Electronic Data Processing Records, 1965-1979, (California State Archives)