The introduction of the Arkansas Cybersecurity Act could significantly impact the way state agencies approach cybersecurity. By centralizing the responsibility for cybersecurity within the State Cybersecurity Office, state agencies would be required to align their practices with state-level governance standards. This central oversight is intended to create a more unified and organized response to the increasing threat of cyber attacks, which has become a pressing issue in state and government operations.
Summary
House Bill 1549, titled the 'Arkansas Cybersecurity Act of 2025', aims to establish a dedicated State Cybersecurity Office responsible for overseeing and managing cybersecurity efforts for state agencies. This act is a response to growing concerns about cybersecurity threats and seeks to create a robust framework for protecting state information technology systems. The bill emphasizes the need for effective governance policies, procedures, and standards to guard against unauthorized access and to ensure data integrity across various state platforms.
Contention
One notable aspect of the bill may be the pushback it could receive related to the allocation of resources and the extent of control that the State Cybersecurity Office will hold over personnel. As the bill mandates that cybersecurity personnel report to this central office, there may be concerns among individual agencies regarding the loss of autonomy over their cybersecurity operations. Additionally, the requirement for regular audits and compliance monitoring could be viewed as a heavy-handed approach by some agencies, which may argue for more localized control to tailor responses to their specific cybersecurity needs.
Concerning Cybersecurity Insurance; To Establish The Arkansas Self-funded Cyber Response Program And The Arkansas Cyber Response Board; And To Create The Arkansas Self-funded Cyber Response Program Trust Fund.
To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Require Public Entities To Create A Policy Concerning The Authorized Use Of Technology Resources And A Cyber Security Policy; And To Amend The Duties Of The State Cyber Security Office.
To Establish The Arkansas Poll Watchers Bill Of Rights Act Of 2023; To Amend The Law Concerning Poll Watchers; And To Amend The Law Concerning Election Procedures.
To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Commercialize The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Program; To Create The Arkansas Commerce Tire Program Act; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.