The State Senate has approved Sen. Dr. Richard Pan’s (D-Sacramento) SB 573, which would require California to adopt an open-data policy that will foster economic development, boost transparency and accountability, and reduce workloads while increasing cost saving at state agencies.

“California is the nation’s leader in technology innovation and development, but we lag behind in creating a single, efficient data portal that can help data-driven innovation flourish in our state,” Pan said. “By providing broad access to government data, great opportunities are made possible.”

SB 573 would create a chief data officer who would create a more robust statewide open data portal by 2017. Under the bill, each state agency would designate a data coordinator to report to the chief data officer, who would establish a series of annual benchmarks for the amount and type of data published on the statewide portal.

“Improving open data access at the state level will complement efforts already underway by local governments and assist municipalities improve government efficiency and responsiveness,” said Abhi Nemani, chief data officer for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

SB 573 will be heard next in the State Assembly.