Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1686

Filed

2/27/25

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to requiring the cybersecurity council to conduct a study concerning the cybersecurity of school districts.

Impact

The intended impact of SB1686 extends beyond merely assessing current cybersecurity practices. The bill includes an examination of the costs associated with cybersecurity insurance and the resources necessary for school districts to effectively respond to and recover from cyber incidents. The findings are expected to inform future policies and funding decisions, aimed at bolstering cybersecurity readiness among schools across Texas.

Summary

Senate Bill 1686 mandates the Texas cybersecurity council to conduct an in-depth study focused on the cybersecurity measures within school districts. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the protection of school district information systems against the rising threats and vulnerabilities that schools face in the digital landscape. The bill acknowledges the increasing importance of cybersecurity as educational institutions are often targeted due to their substantial amounts of sensitive data.

Contention

While the bill is seen as a proactive measure toward safeguarding student information and school operations, it may also highlight funding disparities among school districts, especially in rural or underfunded areas. Critics may argue that without sufficient financial resources, many districts might struggle to implement the recommended practices or purchase necessary cybersecurity products, thereby widening the gap in protection levels. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the effectiveness of a central council's recommendations in addressing unique local challenges each district encounters.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 2054. Information Resources
- Section: New Section

Education Code

Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1723

Relating to requiring the Department of Information Resources to conduct a study concerning the cybersecurity of small businesses.

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 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 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 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 HB285

Relating to the expulsion of public school students for engaging in conduct that constitutes serious offenses.

TX HB1324

Relating to the study of school district property values conducted by the comptroller of public accounts.

TX HB4567

Relating to a study on alternative school schedules conducted by the Texas Education Agency.

TX HB4979

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to certain student records and conduct.

TX HB1060

Relating to the implementation of telehealth services programs at certain public primary and secondary schools and the appointment of a telehealth services program task force to conduct a study and issue a report concerning the implementation of those programs.