Louisiana House Bill HB448

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/19
• Refer: 3/29/19
• Refer: 4/8/19

Caption

Establishes the State Cybersecurity and Information Technology Infrastructure Fund and dedicates revenues into the fund (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD RV)

Impact

If enacted, HB 448 will create a dedicated financial resource for improving the state's cybersecurity and information technology framework. It ensures that the fund will be permanently credited and can be invested for future earnings. This initiative is especially significant given the growing threats to cybersecurity and the need for robust infrastructure to support state operations and protect sensitive information from potential cyber threats.

Summary

House Bill 448, proposed by Representative Ivey, establishes the State Cybersecurity and Information Technology Infrastructure Fund in Louisiana. The fund is designed to receive an allocation equal to 0.0025% of the state's general fund revenues, except for specific funds pledged for bonds. The primary objective of this bill is to enhance and upgrade the state's information technology infrastructure and cybersecurity needs, addressing crucial areas that have become increasingly important in the digital age.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill appears generally positive among those advocating for enhanced state cybersecurity measures. Supporters view the establishment of this fund as a critical step toward ensuring the safety and efficiency of state-operated systems. However, while there hasn't been extensive public pushback documented, concerns could arise over budget impacts, especially in times of financial constraints or competing demands for state funds.

Contention

Potential points of contention may stem from the allocation of state resources to this fund, especially during budget discussions. Stakeholders might debate the priority of investing in cybersecurity over other pressing state needs, such as education or healthcare. Moreover, the effectiveness of the fund in producing tangible upgrades or improvements could also be scrutinized, raising questions about the oversight of expenditures and the transparency of how the funds are managed.