Texas Senate Bill SB988

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/28/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/14/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/10/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Engrossed: 4/14/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/5/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the creation of a cybersecurity, education, and economic development council.

Impact

The creation of the Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council is poised to have significant implications for state laws and governance related to cybersecurity initiatives. With responsibilities to conduct interim studies and provide recommendations aimed at infrastructure improvements, the council will actively engage with both public and private sectors to streamline efforts in cybersecurity development. This could lead to enhanced protections for state information systems and increased economic opportunities in the cybersecurity arena.

Summary

Senate Bill 988 proposes the establishment of a Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council in Texas. This council aims to coordinate and enhance the state's cybersecurity infrastructure while fostering economic growth related to the sector. The bill outlines the composition of the council, which will include representatives from various sectors including state departments, institutions of higher education, and business organizations within the cybersecurity field.

Contention

While the bill broadly appears to support economic development and education in cybersecurity, it may raise questions regarding the allocation of state resources and the effectiveness of such councils. Critics may scrutinize whether the establishment of another council achieves its intended outcomes or merely adds bureaucratic layers. Furthermore, debates could arise concerning how the initiatives recommended by this council will be funded and implemented, potentially leading to contention among state agencies and stakeholders involved in cybersecurity efforts.