Creates and provides for the Joint Legislative Committee on Technology and Cybersecurity
Impact
The introduction of this committee reflects a significant adjustment to the legislative framework governing technology and cybersecurity in Louisiana. The committee is empowered to conduct studies, hold hearings, and require state agencies to provide information and assistance on technology matters. This change is expected to enhance coordination among various public entities and improve the state's resilience against cyber threats by proactively assessing risks and making necessary investments in technology.
Summary
House Bill 636 establishes the Joint Legislative Committee on Technology and Cybersecurity, designed to evaluate and oversee technology matters across the State of Louisiana and its political subdivisions. The committee's primary responsibilities include reviewing technology needs and performances, assessing cybersecurity risks, and making recommendations for the state’s master information technology plan. By unifying these efforts under a dedicated committee, the bill aims to strengthen Louisiana's approach to technology and cybersecurity, ensuring that state agencies are adequately prepared to handle modern digital threats.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 636 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, as the bill passed with a unanimous vote, indicating bipartisan recognition of the importance of addressing cybersecurity and technology governance. By creating a centralized body focused explicitly on these issues, legislative members are expressing a commitment to modernizing state governance and protecting public interests in an increasingly digital landscape.
Contention
While the bill has garnered broad support, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the committee's recommendations. Ensuring that the committee has the necessary resources and that its findings translate into actionable policies will be crucial. Moreover, there might be apprehensions about how the committee's recommendations could influence existing procedures for technology procurement, potentially leading to shifts in control over technology-related decisions within state agencies.
Creates the Louisiana Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Fund for the purpose of funding degree and certificate programs in cybersecurity fields and creates the Cybersecurity Education Management Council to advise relative to the fund. (8/1/20) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Requests the Joint Legislative Committee on Technology and Cybersecurity to study the impacts of the buying, selling, and usage of consumer data transactions.
Creates the Louisiana Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Fund for the purpose of funding degree and certificate programs in cybersecurity fields and the Cybersecurity Education Management Council to advise relative to the fund (RE INCREASE SD EX See Note)
In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.