Sec. 2054.111.  USE OF STATE ELECTRONIC INTERNET PORTAL PROJECT.  (a)  In this section, "local government" and "project" have the meanings assigned by Section 2054.251.
(b)  A state agency shall consider using the project for agency services provided on the Internet, including:
(1)  financial transactions;
(2)  applications for licenses, permits, registrations, and other related documents from the public;
(3)  electronic signatures; and
(4)  any other applications that require security.
(c)  If a state agency chooses not to use the project under Subsection (b), the agency must provide documentation to the department that shows the services and security required by the agency.  The department shall prescribe the documentation required.
(d)  A state agency that uses the project shall comply with rules adopted by the department, including any rules regarding:
(1)  the appearance of the agency's Internet site and the ease with which the site can be used;
(2)  the use of the project seal; and
(3)  marketing efforts under Subsection (g).
(e)  A state agency or local government that uses the project may charge a fee under Subchapter I if:
(1)  the fee is necessary to recover the actual costs directly and reasonably incurred by the agency or local government because of the project for:
(A)  the use of electronic payment methods;  or
(B)  interfacing with other information technology systems;
(2)  the fee does not include an amount to recover state agency or local government employee costs;
(3)  the state agency or local government approves the amount of the fee using the state agency's or local government's standard approval process for fee increases;
(4)  the chief financial officer for the state agency or local government certifies that the amount of the fee is necessary to recover the actual costs incurred because of the project;  and
(5)  the department approves the amount of the fee.
(f)  A local government may not charge a fee under Subsection (e) that is otherwise prohibited under Section 195.006 or  195.007, Local Government Code.
(g)  A state agency that uses the project shall assist the department with marketing efforts regarding the use of the project.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 342, Sec. 5, eff. May 3, 2001.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 70, Sec. 1, eff. May 16, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1216, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by: 
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1260 (H.B. 2048), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1292 (H.B. 2593), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 973 (H.B. 1504), Sec. 12, eff. June 17, 2011.