85R21640 GRM-D
By: Blanco, Lucio III, H.B. No. 1452
Gonzales of Williamson, Capriglione,
Elkins
Substitute the following for H.B.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study regarding cyber attacks on election
infrastructure.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 276, Election Code, is amended by adding
Section 276.011 to read as follows:
Sec. 276.011. ELECTION CYBER ATTACK STUDY. (a) Not later
than December 1, 2018, the secretary of state shall:
(1) conduct a study regarding cyber attacks on
election infrastructure;
(2) prepare a public summary report on the study's
findings that does not contain any information the release of which
may compromise any election;
(3) prepare a confidential report on specific findings
and vulnerabilities that is exempt from disclosure under Chapter
552, Government Code; and
(4) submit a copy of the report required under
Subdivision (2) and a general compilation of the report required
under Subdivision (3) that does not contain any information the
release of which may compromise any election to the standing
committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over election
procedures.
(b) The study must include:
(1) an investigation of vulnerabilities and risks for
a cyber attack against a county's voting system machines or the list
of registered voters;
(2) information on any attempted cyber attack on a
county's voting system machines or the list of registered voters;
and
(3) recommendations for protecting a county's voting
system machines and list of registered voters from a cyber attack.
(c) The secretary of state, using existing resources, may
contract with a qualified vendor to conduct the study required by
this section.
(d) This section expires January 1, 2019.
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, 2017.