Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB377

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Refer: 5/13/25
• Report Pass: 6/2/25
• Engrossed: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/5/25

Caption

In contracts for public works, providing for contracts for information technology commodities and services.

Impact

The implications of SB 377 for state laws are significant. By formalizing the requirement for IT procurement to adhere to specific security measures, the bill aims to protect public sector projects from vulnerabilities that could arise from inadequate technology solutions. This could lead to an overall increase in cybersecurity resilience within state-operated facilities and projects, thereby potentially reducing the risk of data breaches or other cybersecurity incidents. The legislation ensures that any devices used by government entities meet high standards of security, which may also influence the selection of vendors during the procurement process.

Summary

Senate Bill 377 seeks to amend Title 62 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on the procurement processes for public works contracts related to information technology commodities and services. This legislation mandates that any contract for end point devices must comply with established security standards and best practices as outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or other widely recognized guidelines. The intent of this bill is to enhance the security and quality of technology utilized in public works projects across Pennsylvania, ensuring that the devices procured are adequately secured against threats.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 377 appears to be cautiously optimistic among its proponents, who view the legislation as a necessary step towards modernizing public works procurement practices in the face of growing cybersecurity threats. Supporters argue that by establishing these standards, the government is taking a proactive approach to safeguard public resources. However, there could be concerns from potential vendors about the compliance burden this may impose, which might invoke a mixed reaction from the business community involved in public contracting.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention regarding SB 377 includes the balance between ensuring stringent security measures and maintaining a competitive, accessible procurement environment for various vendors. Critics may express concerns that the additional requirements for security compliance could limit the pool of potential suppliers, particularly smaller companies that may struggle to meet the rigorous standards set forth. The bill's passage indicates a legislative intent to prioritize security in public procurement, but it may also raise discussions about the implications for competition and pricing in the public contracting landscape.