84R12817 GRM-D
By: Hall S.B. No. 1398
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to protection of critical infrastructure from
electromagnetic, geomagnetic, terrorist, and cyber-attack threats.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter I to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER I. ELECTROMAGNETIC THREAT PREPAREDNESS
Sec. 418.201. (a) A technological hazards unit of the
division shall:
(1) implement a program to develop technical expertise
in the protection of the electric transmission and distribution
system against electromagnetic, geomagnetic, and cyber-attack
threats;
(2) identify and develop technical and electronic
resources to assist the unit in the unit's functions;
(3) implement a program to educate owners and
operators of critical infrastructure and vital utility facilities
and emergency responders about electromagnetic, geomagnetic, and
cyber-attack threats;
(4) determine critical infrastructure and vital
utility facilities that are at risk from electromagnetic,
geomagnetic, and cyber-attack threats;
(5) evaluate emergency planning and response
technologies related to electromagnetic, geomagnetic, and
cyber-attack threats;
(6) evaluate technologies available to improve the
resiliency of critical infrastructure and vital utility facilities
against electromagnetic, geomagnetic, or cyber-attack threats;
(7) evaluate the capabilities of critical
infrastructure and vital utility facilities to recover from
electromagnetic, geomagnetic, or cyber-attack threats; and
(8) develop a comprehensive plan to protect the
critical infrastructure and vital utility facilities of this state
against electromagnetic, geomagnetic, terrorist, and cyber-attack
threats.
(b) The division shall implement the comprehensive plan to
protect the critical infrastructure and vital utility facilities of
this state against electromagnetic, geomagnetic, terrorist, and
cyber-attack threats.
(c) The governor may instruct an agency to take actions as
are necessary to implement the comprehensive plan.
(d) The governor shall develop a cost recovery mechanism for
utilities that incur costs for measures taken to protect the
critical infrastructure of this state against, and prepare the
infrastructure for, electromagnetic, geomagnetic, terrorist, and
cyber-attack threats.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.