Louisiana House Bill HB128

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/15/21
• Refer: 3/15/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Refer: 4/26/21
• Refer: 4/27/21
• Report Pass: 5/4/21
• Engrossed: 5/12/21
• Refer: 5/13/21
• Report Pass: 5/19/21
• Enrolled: 5/27/21
• Chaptered: 6/4/21
• Passed: 6/4/21

Caption

Provides relative to the powers and duties of the Cash Management Review Board with respect to financial security and cybersecurity plans and procedures adopted by state agencies, including the assessment and deployment of such plans and procedures (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The enactment of HB 128 brings significant changes to existing state laws regarding the confidentiality of discussions related to financial and cybersecurity matters. By stipulating that discussions and records from the review board concerning these plans are confidential and not subject to public records law, the bill aims to protect sensitive financial and operational information from public disclosure. This could lead to a more secure financial environment within state agencies but raises concerns regarding transparency and public oversight.

Summary

House Bill 128 addresses the powers and responsibilities of the Cash Management Review Board in relation to the financial and cybersecurity plans required of state agencies. This legislation mandates that each state agency develop and submit a cybersecurity plan and financial security procedures to the review board for approval, aiming to enhance the security protocols governing state finances and data protection against cyber threats. The measures introduced by this bill are aimed at ensuring that financial management and cybersecurity practices are standardized across state agencies, thus improving overall security and accountability.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 128 appears to be cautiously optimistic among its supporters, who argue that stronger cybersecurity measures are essential in today’s digital landscape. However, there are mixed feelings about the implications of reduced transparency, with critics expressing concern that the confidentiality provisions might hinder public access to information and weaken accountability in state financial practices. Overall, the discussions suggest a recognition of the necessity for improved cybersecurity while grappling with the balance between protection and transparency.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 128 is the potential conflict between enhanced security measures and the principles of open governance. While supporters emphasize the need for confidentiality to protect state resources, opponents argue that this could lead to a lack of accountability and oversight. The intricacies of establishing such confidentiality in the context of public records will likely fuel ongoing debates concerning the balance between security and the public's right to know.