Bill Caption

Relating to state agency and local government compliance with cybersecurity training requirements.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1118 would require that employees and certain elected officials of counties, municipalities, special districts, school districts, junior colleges, and other political subdivisions submit a certification of compliance with cybersecurity training requirements in grant applications. Local governments would be required to repay grant money for failure to comply with the cybersecurity training requirement and would remain ineligible to reapply for grants for two years. Cybersecurity training would have to be completed annually for each local government employee and elected and appointed officials whose job duties require the use of computers or databases 25% or more of the time. Verification and reporting of compliance with this training must be sent to the department annually. 

HB 1118 would also require state agencies to include a written certification of the agency's compliance with this cybersecurity training requirement with their strategic plan.

Vote Recommendation Notes

While no liberty principles are impacted by HB 1118, Texas Action acknowledges cybersecurity as a very real threat and urges legislators to consider taking action to ensure the government electronic systems and databases are safeguarded and those having access to these systems understand cybersecurity threats and know how to mitigate such threats. Texas Action remains neutral on HB 1118.