Bill Caption

Relating to the applicability of open meetings requirements to certain meetings of a governing body relating to information technology security practices.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, the Department of Information Resources is permitted to hold a closed meeting if the agenda includes a deliberation of network security and other sensitive information on department technology. SB 564 would apply this same provision to any governmental body. This bill would also apply a similar provision protecting confidential network security information to all governmental entities (rather than just state agencies).

Vote Recommendation Notes

Though we typically oppose any measure which would ease the requirements that government operate within public view, we do understand there are certain items which agencies discuss that pertain to private information and the protection of that information. Because the items covered in this bill would pertain to network security measures of systems that house information maintained by the government that often the public has no choice in giving, we find it appropriate for these entities to be allowed discussion of the security measures in private. This will hopefully play a part in reducing the likelihood that these systems can be breached. For these reasons, we are neutral on SB 564.