Texas House Bill HB307

Texas 2021 - 87th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to state agency and local government security incident procedures.

Impact

The enactment of HB307 is likely to enhance data protection across state and local government entities. By centralizing notification protocols and establishing stringent timelines for responses, the bill specifically influences how these entities manage and communicate about security breaches. The requirement for an analysis of the cause of any security incidents and the reporting of such incidents aims to create a culture of accountability and improvement in data security practices within governmental operations.

Summary

House Bill 307 aims to establish clear procedures for state agencies and local governments in Texas regarding security incidents, particularly those involving sensitive or confidential information. The bill defines a 'security incident' as any unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction of sensitive data, requiring a swift response from the entities involved. Notably, the bill mandates that upon discovering a security incident, state agencies and local governments must notify relevant authorities, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management, within 72 hours. This is a significant tightening of the response timeline, requiring expedience in informing stakeholders and the public about potential breaches of sensitive information.

Contention

While HB307 proposes a robust framework for responding to security incidents, it is important to recognize potential concerns about the fulfillment of the mandated procedures. Some stakeholders may worry about the feasibility of complying with the 72-hour notification window, particularly in the case of complex incidents or when investigations into the causes of breaches are ongoing. Moreover, issues surrounding the confidentiality of breaches and the handling of sensitive information could arise during implementation, with calls for transparency needing to be balanced against privacy and security considerations.