VIRGINIA INFORMATION PROVIDERS NETWORK AUTHORITY - Minutes
Board of Directors
Washington Building
1100 Bank Street, Richmond, Virginia

The first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Information Providers Network Authority began at 10:00 am with a welcome by Hud Croasdale, Director of the Council on Information Management (CIM), and ex officio Board member. Board members agreed that Mr. Croasdale would serve as temporary chairman until a Chairman was elected. Board members then introduced themselves.

Mr. Croasdale received agreement from the Board on the meeting agenda.

Mr. Croasdale then gave a briefing on actions leading to the passage of the Virginia Information Providers Network Authority Act. He explained that identical bills were introduced in the House and Senate at the 1996 Session of the General Assembly. The bills were originally drafted by CIM staff using several components of similar legislation that had been passed in other states.

Following several amendments, the final legislation contained certain restrictions. Mr. Croasdale noted that the bill prohibits the disclosure of information that reveals, or might be expected to reveal, the identity of any individual. Further, any information which is licensed to the Authority must be designed to prevent any combination which could reveal the identity of individuals. Since the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records contain "personal" information, they would be precluded from sale by the Authority. Also, the way the legislation is currently written, DMV would retain the proceeds from any sale or licensing of their records.

Mr. Croasdale gave an overview of the enabling legislation, including its purpose, powers and duties, the network manager position, access to public information, confidentiality requirements, exemption from taxes, ownership of public information, and financing and operations. Mr. Croasdale noted that contracts would be established between the Network Provider and the particular state agency.

Mr. Croasdale informed Board members about similar networks in other states--Georgia, Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana.

Mr. Croasdale proposed several actions for the Board's consideration. He suggested a possible RFP to get a private sector company to assess the market for interest in building the network. He advised that a revenue projection of $748,200 from the Authority had been included in the 1996-98 Appropriation Act, and that the Board may wish to consider reviewing the legislation for possible amendments. He suggested that further review be made of other state networks; that expectations from potential users be assessed; that possible funding sources be identified; and proceeding with the development of a business plan.

Board members asked several questions concerning the other state networks, the basis for the $748,200 revenue projection, and the restriction on the DMV records. Ms. Karen Chappel with the Department of Motor Vehicles advised that DMV planned to make no changes in the way they handle their records.

Mr. Croasdale then gave an on-line demonstration of Access Indiana.

Discussion followed with questions about the potential market for the information; how the network fit in with the current Commonwealth network plans; how fees would be charged and collected; state information that is currently available for a fee; the possibility of surveying other state agencies to determine their interest in participating. Board members asked for more detailed information about the other state networks. Mr. Christofferson suggested that the Board develop a business plan prior to issuing an RFP.

Mr. Sterling noted that better sharing of information is needed between state agencies and that agencies be encouraged to do this.

Secretary Thomas discussed the positive aspects of such a network for Virginia and the benefits to the agencies that participate.

Board members agreed they needed more information and requested that they be given a presentation from Access Indiana at their next meeting, to be scheduled as soon as possible.

Mr. Christofferson suggested looking into the Markle Foundation for possible grant funds (Internet address: http://www.markle.org).

Board members discussed possible opposition at the upcoming General Assembly Session.

Mr. Croasdale advised that CIM staff would contact Access Indiana to see when they could come and give a presentation to the Board. In addition, CIM staff would forward to the Board more detailed information concerning other state networks, as well as poll some selected state agencies to gather additional information.

The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

                                                                                          Hud Croasdale
                                                                                          Acting Chairman