Texas House Bill HB712

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/15/22
• Out of House Committee: 3/31/23

Caption

Relating to state agency and local government security incident procedures.

Impact

If enacted, HB 712 would significantly modify existing laws regulating how entities manage and report incidents related to data breaches. It aims to streamline the communication process to the state regarding cybersecurity threats. The bill is likely to necessitate updates to procedures that local governments must adopt, thereby promoting a uniform standard across the state. This could lead to more robust cybersecurity practices among local governments, potentially improving the overall security posture of Texas as a whole.

Summary

House Bill 712, proposed by Representative Shaheen, establishes new procedures for state agencies and local governments in Texas concerning the reporting of security incidents. The bill seeks to ensure that authorities promptly report cybersecurity incidents, which now include the definition of ransomware, to the Department of Information Resources (DIR). This change responds to increasing concerns about cybersecurity threats affecting public entities and emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive personal information held by these organizations. The bill mandates that any security breach or suspected breach must be reported within 48 hours, reinforcing the accountability among governmental entities in safeguarding data.

Sentiment

The discussion surrounding HB 712 was generally supportive, with many stakeholders recognizing the value of improved notification procedures and cybersecurity regulations. Supporters argue that this bill is a necessary step toward safeguarding sensitive information from increasingly prevalent cyber threats. However, some concerns were raised regarding the feasibility and resource implications for smaller local governments that may struggle to comply with the new requirements, leading to a debate about the practicality of enforcing such regulations uniformly across various local jurisdictions.

Contention

A key point of contention in the discussions around HB 712 lies in balancing the need for stringent cybersecurity measures with the capacity and resources available to local governments. While larger city governments may have the infrastructure to comply with the new reporting criteria, smaller municipalities may face challenges in meeting the standards without additional support. There are apprehensions regarding whether this could inadvertently lead to a lack of compliance and potential vulnerabilities if the requirements are perceived as too burdensome.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 2054. Information Resources
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

Penal Code

• Chapter 33. Computer Crimes
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section