Legacy IT Reduction Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8408
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-29T20:33:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Legacy IT Reduction Act of 2026 (H.R. 8408)
Purpose
The legislation aims to reduce the U.S. Federal Government's dependence on and spending for outdated ("legacy") information technology (IT) systems by requiring agencies to inventory these systems, create modernization plans, and prioritize updates, replacements, or retirements.
Key Provisions
- Definitions (Sec. 2): Clarifies terms like "agency" (major executive branch departments), "Chief Information Officer (CIO)" (agency leader for IT), "legacy information technology system" (outdated IT as defined in prior law), and others such as the Technology Modernization Fund.
- Inventory Requirement (Sec. 3): Each agency's CIO must compile a detailed inventory of legacy IT systems within 1 year of enactment and every 5 years after. Includes system details like name, usage, costs, vendor, and planned updates. Agencies must share inventories with Congress, auditors, or inspectors upon request.
- Modernization Plans (Sec. 4): Agency heads must develop 5-year plans (initially due in 2 years, then every 5 years) as part of existing IT strategic plans. Plans include inventories, prioritized systems, action steps, costs, and risks. Submit to key congressional committees within 30 days.
- Guidance from Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (Sec. 5): OMB Director must issue implementation guidance within 180 days, covering criteria for identifying legacy systems, templates for inventories/plans, and coordination with existing IT laws.
- Comptroller General Review (Sec. 6): U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report to Congress in 3 years on implementation and integration with other IT programs (e.g., Technology Modernization Fund, Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program).
- Protections and Exemptions (Sec. 7): No requirement to disclose sensitive or security-compromising information. National security systems (critical defense-related IT) are fully exempt. Prohibits transferring legacy systems to China or Chinese-controlled entities.
- Funding and Duration (Sec. 8): No new funding authorized; uses existing resources. Law sunsets (expires) after 6 years.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Mandates the first comprehensive, recurring inventories and dedicated modernization plans specifically for legacy IT, integrated into agencies' existing IT strategic planning under title 44 of the U.S. Code.
- Builds on prior laws (e.g., National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 definitions) without overriding them, adding transparency and accountability through required reporting and GAO review.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload for short-term inventories/plans but promotes long-term cost savings, efficiency, and security by phasing out costly, vulnerable legacy systems.
- Citizens: Could lead to more reliable, modern federal services (e.g., faster processing, better cybersecurity).
- International Relations: Minor; explicitly blocks transfers to China/PRC, reinforcing U.S. tech security posture.
- No direct fiscal impact as it authorizes no new spending.
Main Stakeholders
- Federal Agencies: Primary implementers (e.g., those listed in 31 U.S.C. §901(b)), especially their CIOs and heads.
- OMB and General Services Administration (GSA): Provide guidance and oversight.
- Congress: Oversight committees (e.g., House Oversight and Accountability, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) receive plans and reports.
- GAO and Agency Inspectors General: Conduct reviews and audits.
- Vendors and Contractors: Affected by modernization priorities and cost disclosures.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Enhances existing IT governance (e.g., complements Technology Modernization Fund) with enforceable timelines; protects classified info under other laws.
- Constitutional: Strengthens congressional oversight of executive branch spending and operations without infringing on executive functions.
- Political: Temporary (6-year sunset) and cost-neutral, potentially appealing across parties; introduced by bipartisan sponsors (Reps. Frost, Timmons, Burlison).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-04-21: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Legacy IT Reduction Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (10 pages)