Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4196

Caption

Relating to the development by the Public Utility Commission of Texas of physical security and cybersecurity practices for certain utilities.

Impact

The implementation of HB4196 is set to significantly enhance the regulatory framework governing utility operations in Texas. The bill seeks to set forth a system that includes the sharing of cybersecurity information among utilities, thereby fostering a collaborative environment where best practices can be developed and disseminated. Such measures are expected to bolster the resilience of utilities against both physical and cyber threats, thus ensuring more robust utility service delivery to the general public.

Summary

House Bill 4196 addresses the growing need for enhanced physical security and cybersecurity practices within Texas utilities. The bill mandates the Public Utility Commission of Texas to establish a comprehensive program aimed at monitoring and supporting utilities in implementing best practices for physical security and cybersecurity. This program is integral in developing integrated guidelines that would enable utilities to protect their infrastructures against emerging threats.

Contention

While the bill has been designed to fortify the security of essential services, it could also face scrutiny over the adequacy of resources allocated for its implementation. Stakeholders might express concerns regarding the implementation of the proposed cybersecurity training and guidelines, and whether these measures would be funded sufficiently. Furthermore, questions regarding the effectiveness of shared information and collaboration among various utility companies may arise, as the ability to effectively manage and mitigate risks across different utilities can be challenging.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4892

Relating to physical security and cybersecurity practices for certain utilities that provide electricity service and an independent organization certified to manage a power region.

TX SB2377

Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1500

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.

TX HB3

Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.

TX SB717

Relating to public school cybersecurity controls and requirements and technical assistance and cybersecurity risk assessments for public schools provided by the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB2441

Relating to the transfer of functions relating to the economic regulation of water and sewer service from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel to the Water Public Utility Commission and the Office of Water Public Utility Counsel; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB4944

Relating to public school cybersecurity controls, student data privacy protection, and requirements and technical assistance and cybersecurity risk assessments for public schools provided by the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB1368

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region.

Similar Bills

CA AB2695

California State University: Cybersecurity Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships Pilot Program.

CA AB979

California Cybersecurity Integration Center: artificial intelligence.

CA SB265

Cybersecurity preparedness: critical infrastructure sectors.

CA SB844

California Cybersecurity Integration Center: cybersecurity improvement: reports.

NJ A5036

Establishes Office of Cybersecurity Infrastructure.

NJ S3835

Establishes Office of Cybersecurity Infrastructure.

CA AB2507

California Cybersecurity Integration Center: representatives.

CA AB1306

California Cybersecurity Integration Center.