[gis_info] Geospatial Data Act reintroduced

[SMITH Cy * DAS]

Many of you may be aware of the Geospatial Data Act.  There has been quite a bit of press about it over the course of this year, noting that work was underway regarding language changes and clarifications since its original introduction in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives last May. The Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO) worked through the summer and into late October on the language and came up with a version of draft language which most COGO member organizations (http://cogo.pro/Organizations.html) felt they could support. The language in Sections 11 and 12 that was causing the most concern was removed, but the core language remains for developing and maintaining the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), Authorizing the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), giving Congressional oversight of federal geospatial expenditures, and calling on federal agencies to partner with state, tribal and local governments, academia and the private sector to develop and maintain the NSDI.
On Wednesday - GIS Day - this new version of the Geospatial Data Act was introduced in both the Senate (as S.2128) and House (as H.R.4395) with bipartisan support. Senator Wyden is one of 6 Senate co-sponsors at introduction. There has been positive response from many organizations and companies regarding the introduction of the legislation.  I encourage people to read the new bills as soon as Congress and the Senate release the text on their bill tracking sites (see https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2128/text and https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/4395/text?r=21).  In the meantime, you can read an informative article from StateScoop (http://statescoop.com/congress-introduces-geospatial-data-act-to-the-delight-of-gis-advocates#.Wg7bxPuQgFU.twitter).
Great news for GIS Day 2017 and Geography Week 2017!
Cy

Cy Smith, GISP, State GIO
OSCIO Geospatial Enterprise Office
Secretary, Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO)
Past President, Urban Regional Info. Systems Association (URISA)
Past President, National States Geographic Info. Council (NSGIC)
(503) 378-6066, http://gis.oregon.gov<http://gis.oregon.gov/>

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