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.
Impact
The establishment of the Texas Cyber Command will require local governments and covered entities to adhere to minimum standards for cybersecurity. These standards include mandatory training programs for personnel involved in information resources management, which will enhance the overall security posture of governmental entities. The bill also allows for a structured process for responding to cybersecurity incidents, including the deployment of volunteer incident response teams, which is crucial for managing threats effectively as they arise.
Summary
SB2176 establishes the Texas Cyber Command as a component institution of The University of Texas System, transferring certain responsibilities from the Department of Information Resources. The bill aims to enhance the state's cybersecurity framework and response capabilities, emphasizing the protection of critical infrastructure such as energy, communications, and healthcare facilities. With the increasing frequency and severity of cyber threats, the command will also oversee the implementation of statewide cybersecurity policies and coordinate responses to incidents affecting state and local governments.
Contention
While the bill is generally aimed at improving cybersecurity efforts, there are concerns regarding the centralization of authority under the Texas Cyber Command. Critics argue that this may reduce the flexibility of local governments to respond to specific cybersecurity threats in their jurisdictions. Additionally, the required training programs could place an administrative burden on smaller local entities that may not have the resources to comply with these new statewide standards.
Identical
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.
Relating to renaming the Texas Natural Resources Information System as the Texas Geographic Information Office and the duties of certain officers of that entity.
Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for services and commodity items provided by the Department of Information Resources and statewide technology centers.
Relating to renaming the Texas Natural Resources Information System as the Texas Geographic Information Office and the duties of certain officers of that entity.
Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for services and commodity items provided by the Department of Information Resources and statewide technology centers.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to transferring data analysis and certain reporting functions from the Department of Family and Protective Services to the Texas Tech University System.
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.
Relating to matters concerning governmental entities, including cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning.
Relating to matters concerning governmental entities, including cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning.
Relating to state agency and local government information management and security, including establishment of the state risk and authorization management program and the Texas volunteer incident response team; authorizing fees.