Arizona House Bill HB2584

Arizona 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/22
• Report Pass: 2/2/22
• Report Pass: 2/22/22
• Engrossed: 2/25/22
• Report Pass: 3/15/22

Caption

Cybersecurity software bids

Impact

With this bill, Arizona aims to bolster its cybersecurity framework by ensuring that all state software development processes include adequate security measures. The $2 million appropriation from the state’s general fund reflects a commitment to invest in effective cybersecurity solutions. Furthermore, this act is expected to streamline the procurement processes for departments, as it centralizes the management and evaluation of cybersecurity tools, thereby potentially improving the effectiveness of such tools across different state agencies.

Summary

House Bill 2584 focuses on cybersecurity within Arizona's governmental agencies by establishing a standardized process for acquiring cybersecurity software. The bill mandates the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to oversee a competitive bidding process for an enterprise license of security software. This software is intended to enhance the security of code during development and production, aligning with best practices in software security. Specifically, the bill outlines four mechanisms of security testing that must be utilized: static analysis security testing, dynamic testing, penetration testing, and software composition analysis.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2584 appears to be largely positive, particularly within legislative circles where there is recognition of the growing importance of cybersecurity. Policymakers acknowledge the increasing threats to government infrastructure, making the case for proactive measures like those outlined in the bill. The bill has benefited from bipartisan support as many legislators prioritize securing governmental operations against cyber threats, reflecting a shared understanding of the need for improved cybersecurity

Contestation

While the bill largely received support, there were discussions about the implications of centralizing the cybersecurity procurement process. Some critics raised concerns regarding the processes used in determining software quality and effectiveness, as well as potential over-reliance on a single vendor for cybersecurity solutions. There were also apprehensions about the expenditure level and the efficacy of traditional procurement approaches to adequately respond to the evolving cybersecurity landscape.