Introduction
This ballot initiative draft seeks to revolutionize California’s technology governance by establishing elected positions dedicated to overseeing technological advancements and cybersecurity. It proposes the creation of state-level Secretary of Technology, county-level Supervisors of Technology, and local Directors of Technology roles. These positions aim to enhance public access to technology services, ensure accountability, and foster innovation.
By supporting this initiative, Californians can contribute to a more transparent, efficient, and forward-thinking technology infrastructure. The budget for the current California Department of Technology (CDT) for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is approximately $880.4 million with approximately 950 employees.
Contents
Title: “Department of Technology Act” – Introduction to the initiative’s name.
Summary: Overview of the proposed creation of elected technology governance positions to improve technology management in California.
Section 1: Title – Formal naming of the measure.
Section 2: Findings and Declarations – Justification for the initiative, highlighting California’s tech leadership and need for dedicated tech governance.
Section 3: Purpose and Intent – Goals of the measure, including the establishment of Secretary, Supervisors, and Directors of Technology.
Section 4: Article XXII – Elected Technology Governance Positions
Section 1: Secretary of Technology – Details on the statewide elected position.
Section 2: Supervisors of Technology – Information on the county-level positions.
Section 3: Directors of Technology – Outline of the municipal positions.
Section 5: Implementation and Transition – Guidelines for implementing and transitioning to the new governance structure.
Section 6: Severability – Clause ensuring the initiative’s remaining provisions remain effective if parts are invalidated.
Section 7: Conflicting Measures – Procedure for handling conflicts with other measures.
Support and Engagement – Steps for public support, including petition circulation, public campaign, and voter education.
NOTE: The following is a work in progress and rough draft to encourage public debate, feedback, and suggestions.
Title: California Department of Technology Act
Summary:
This initiative proposes the creation of elected positions for a Secretary of Technology at the state level, Supervisors of Technology at the county level, and Directors of Technology at the local level. These positions will enhance technology governance, improve cybersecurity, and ensure public access to advanced technology services. The initiative outlines the roles, responsibilities, and election procedures for these positions to foster transparency, accountability, and innovation in California’s technology landscape.
SECTION 1. Title
This measure shall be known and may be cited as the “Department of Technology Act”
SECTION 2. Findings and Declarations
(a) California is a global leader in technology and innovation. However, the state must ensure that its governance structures keep pace with technological advancements.
(b) There is a need for dedicated, accountable leadership to oversee technology policy, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure equitable access to technology services for all Californians.
(c) Creating elected positions specifically focused on technology will improve public trust, transparency, and efficiency in managing the state’s technological infrastructure and resources.
SECTION 3. Purpose and Intent
The purpose of this measure is to:
(a) Establish the position of Secretary of Technology, elected by the voters of California, to oversee statewide technology policy and initiatives.
(b) Establish the positions of Supervisors of Technology, elected by the voters in each county, to manage county-level technology projects and coordinate with local and state technology offices.
(c) Establish the positions of Directors of Technology, elected by the voters in each municipality, to address local technology needs and ensure residents have access to technology resources and services.
SECTION 4. Article XXII is added to the California Constitution, to read:
Article XXII. Elected Technology Governance Positions
Section 1. Secretary of Technology
(a) There is hereby created the elected office of Secretary of Technology.
(b) The Secretary of Technology shall be elected by the voters of the state during the general election and shall serve a term of four years.
(c) The Secretary of Technology shall oversee all statewide technology policies, initiatives, recommendations, and infrastructure, and coordinate with county and local technology offices to ensure consistency and best practices.
(d) The Secretary of Technology shall have a background in technology.
(e) County Supervisors of Technology and municipal Directors of Technology reserve the legal right to accept in the entirety, in part, or not, the Secretary of Technology policies, initiatives, and recommendations.
Section 2. Supervisors of Technology
(a) There is hereby created the elected office of Supervisor of Technology in each county.
(b) Each Supervisor of Technology shall be elected by the voters of their respective county during the general election and shall serve a term of four years.
(c) The Supervisors of Technology shall manage county-level technology projects, enhance cybersecurity, and coordinate with local Directors of Technology and the state Secretary of Technology.
(d) Each Supervisor of Technology shall have experience in technology implementation and management.
Section 3. Directors of Technology
(a) There is hereby created the elected office of Director of Technology in each municipality.
(b) Each Director of Technology shall be elected by the voters of their respective municipality during the municipal election and shall serve a term of four years.
(c) The Directors of Technology shall handle local technology needs, support digital education initiatives, and ensure residents have access to technology resources.
(d) Each Director of Technology shall have expertise in technology and community engagement.
SECTION 5. Implementation and Transition
(a) The Legislature shall enact laws to implement this Article, including procedures for the nomination and election of candidates, and the transition of duties to the newly elected officials.
(b) The first elections for the Secretary of Technology, Supervisors of Technology, and Directors of Technology shall be held in the general election of 2026.
SECTION 6. Severability
If any provision of this Act, or part thereof, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 7. Conflicting Measures
In the event that this measure and another measure or measures relating to the creation of technology governance positions appear on the same statewide ballot, the provisions of the other measures shall be deemed to be in conflict with this measure. In the event that this measure receives a greater number of affirmative votes, the provisions of this measure shall prevail in their entirety, and the provisions of the other measure or measures shall be null and void.
How to Support Our Initiative:
- Petition Circulation: Volunteer or contribute to our petition circulation to gather the required number of signatures from registered voters to qualify the initiative for the ballot.
- Public Campaign: Join our public awareness campaign to inform and engage the community about the benefits of this initiative.
- Voter Education: Participate in voter education efforts to explain the importance of the elected technology governance positions and encourage voter turnout.
By establishing these elected positions, California will set a precedent for technology governance, ensuring that the state’s technological advancements are managed with transparency, accountability, and a focus on public benefit.
Join Us
The current California Department of Technology (CDT) focuses on IT services and cybersecurity for state agencies. However, our ballot incitive is a groundbreaking proposal for a more transparent and accountable system.
Imagine a state with elected technology leaders like a Secretary of Technology and local Directors. This new structure ensures public engagement and better oversight.
Support this initiative for a smarter, safer, and more democratic tech infrastructure.
Join us in transforming California’s technological future! Support our ballot initiative to establish elected technology governance positions, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and innovation in our state. Your voice matters—help us create a robust technology infrastructure that serves and protects all Californians. Get involved, spread the word, and vote for a smarter, safer, and more efficient technological future. Together, we can make a difference. Learn more and take action today!
Additional Infromation
To qualify a ballot initiative in California, the number of signatures required depends on the type of initiative:
- Initiative Statute: 546,651 signatures
- Initiative Constitutional Amendment: 874,641 signatures1
These numbers are based on a percentage of the votes cast for the governor in the preceding election.