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Relating to matters concerning governmental entities, including cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning.
The fiscal implications of the bill are indeterminate, but costs associated with
the bill could be
significant. The impact would largely be related to
provisions of the bill requiring each agency to implement a constant monitoring
program and contract with an independent contractor to conduct an independent
assessment of each agency's exposure to information security
risks. The minimum costs associated with the bill would be $3.8 million in
General Revenue Funds through the biennium ending August 31, 2021.
HB 4214 would provide a basis for local governments to establish a coordination process for the oversight of cyber security. The bill creates a process for certain government entities to address concerns in the state of an emergency. Major provisions of the bill are outlined below:
1. Creates a coordination with low level institutions of higher education to create a certification in cyber security
2. Requires the governor to appoint a chief innovation officer to develop procedure and methods to increase state and local government efficiency
3. Creates a cyber incident study and response plan
4. Allows for reimbursement to state employees who spend money to become cybersecurity certified
5. Establishes security standards for the internet connectivity of certain objects
6. Requires the agency to constantly monitor the security and vulnerability of the information system infrastructure of the state
7. Requires independent risk assessment of the states information systems, and hold vendors responsible for cybersecurity
8. Requires state agencies to consider using next generation technologies such as crypto-currency, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI)
9. Adminsters a cybersecurity matching funds grant from existing funds
10. Creates and maintains a repository for cybersecurity education and training
11. Reviews of cloud computing items
12. Requires local governments to create a local government breach of cyber security and response plan
Texas Action remains neutral on this bill as it neither advances nor hinders our liberty principles. However, this does appear to be sound public policy.