FAQs

Q How did Texas.gov originate?
A

In 1999, the Texas Legislature authorized a pilot study to create an eGovernment framework that would provide citizens, local government, and state agencies with a single, secure structure to conduct business over the Internet.

Today, the Texas.gov program that manages the Texas.gov website for the State is operated by Austin-based Texas NICUSA, LLC, a subsidiary of NIC. NIC is the outsourced enterprise portal manager responsible for similar operations in 28 other states.

Q What is the role of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) with Texas.gov?
A

DIR is responsible for:

  • Overseeing the general operations of the Texas.gov program
  • Developing policies relating to its operations
  • Evaluating services to be provided on the Texas.gov website
  • Overseeing money generated for the operation and expansion of the program
Q How can state agencies, local governments, and the educational community participate in Texas.gov?
A

Participation in Texas.gov is voluntary. However, SB187 requires that state agencies consider the use of the Texas.gov program for services provided via the Internet, including:

  • Financial transactions,
  • Applications for licenses, permits, registrations, and other related documents,
  • Electronic signatures,
  • Any other applications that require security.

Texas.gov develops and hosts applications for the Texas.gov website which allows participating agencies to take advantage of the website's infrastructure and security. The Texas.gov program also has the flexibility to allow agencies to host their own applications.

Q How is Texas.gov funded?
A The Texas Legislature mandated that the Texas.gov program be self-supporting, with no funding provided by the State. The contract with Texas NICUSA, LLC is a self-funded, transaction-based model.
Q What is the Texas.gov Price?
A Texas.gov is the official website of the State of Texas. It is a self-funded program provided by a third party, working in partnership with the State, to help state and local governments develop online services. The price of these online services includes funds that support the ongoing operations and enhancements of Texas.gov.
Q Is the Texas.gov website accessible for people with disabilities?
A Texas.gov is compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Q How does the Texas.gov website improve state operations?
A Texas.gov provides constituents with an easy, efficient way to conduct business with Texas government. State agencies and local governments gain efficiencies from offering web-based services and enabling Texans to process transactions at their convenience.
Q How does the Texas.gov website protect personal data?
A The State and participating agencies own the information collected by applications on the Texas.gov website. The owner of each application directs how that data is used and released to the public according to applicable laws. Texas.gov has a separate privacy and security policy which details how information is collected and handled.
Q Is the Texas.gov website secure?
A Texas NICUSA, LLC maintains the security of Texas.gov to the highest standards of government, commercial, and financial institutions. Our current security standards comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS), Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 202, and the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552), as well as industry best practices that include the following organizations: The Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and The Software and Network Security Institute (SANS).

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