Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3892

Caption

Relating to matters concerning governmental entities, including cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning.

Impact

One significant provision within HB 3892 is the prohibition of ransomware payments by political subdivisions in the event of a cyber attack. This clause is intended to deter malicious activities by eliminating potential financial incentives for attackers. It also requires timely reporting of any cyber incidents to the state's cybersecurity coordinator, thereby fostering a comprehensive approach to managing cyber threats across governmental infrastructure. This could lead to more proactive measures being taken at state and local levels to safeguard critical data and resources, contributing to overall public safety.

Summary

House Bill 3892 addresses various aspects concerning governmental entities, particularly focusing on cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning. The bill mandates that state agencies conduct safety and security audits of their facilities, including cybersecurity assessments, aiming to enhance the security posture of governmental infrastructure. Additionally, it establishes requirements for municipalities and counties to implement multihazard emergency operations plans, emphasizing the preparedness and response to potential disasters while ensuring proper coordination with various local and state agencies.

Contention

However, the bill could face contention regarding how effectively it addresses the balance between enhancing security measures and ensuring transparency and accountability in governmental operations. There may be concerns from civil liberty advocates about the limitations imposed on the disclosure of information related to safety and security audits. Additionally, compliance with stringent cybersecurity standards may place a financial burden on smaller municipalities and counties that may lack the necessary resources to implement such comprehensive plans effectively. As the bill progresses, discussions around these points of contention are likely to shape its final form.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1723

Relating to requiring the Department of Information Resources to conduct a study concerning the cybersecurity of small businesses.

TX SB1246

Relating to authorized investments of public money by certain governmental entities and the confidentiality of certain information related to those investments.

TX SB717

Relating to public school cybersecurity controls and requirements and technical assistance and cybersecurity risk assessments for public schools provided by the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB2377

Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB2068

Relating to the fiduciary responsibility of governmental entities and the investment agents, plan administrators, or qualified vendors acting on behalf of those entities.

TX HB4553

Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for services and commodity items provided by the Department of Information Resources and statewide technology centers.

TX HB4944

Relating to public school cybersecurity controls, student data privacy protection, and requirements and technical assistance and cybersecurity risk assessments for public schools provided by the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB8

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force and making funds available to certain governmental entities.

TX SB1659

Relating to the sunset review process and certain governmental entities subject to that process.

TX HB1570

Relating to the sunset review process and certain governmental entities subject to that process.

Similar Bills

TX HB150

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB2176

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command as a component institution of The University of Texas System and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB1779

Relating to security for state agency information and information technologies.

TX HB4214

Relating to matters concerning governmental entities, including cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning.

TX SB64

Relating to cybersecurity for information resources.

TX HB2591

Relating to a cybersecurity monitor for certain electric utilities.

TX SB936

Relating to a cybersecurity monitor for certain electric utilities.

TX HB3377

Relating to a cybersecurity monitor for certain electric utilities.