TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2176

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2176

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command as a component institution of The University of Texas System and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.

Impact

The establishment of the Texas Cyber Command will require local governments and covered entities to adhere to minimum standards for cybersecurity. These standards include mandatory training programs for personnel involved in information resources management, which will enhance the overall security posture of governmental entities. The bill also allows for a structured process for responding to cybersecurity incidents, including the deployment of volunteer incident response teams, which is crucial for managing threats effectively as they arise.

Summary

SB2176 establishes the Texas Cyber Command as a component institution of The University of Texas System, transferring certain responsibilities from the Department of Information Resources. The bill aims to enhance the state's cybersecurity framework and response capabilities, emphasizing the protection of critical infrastructure such as energy, communications, and healthcare facilities. With the increasing frequency and severity of cyber threats, the command will also oversee the implementation of statewide cybersecurity policies and coordinate responses to incidents affecting state and local governments.

Contention

While the bill is generally aimed at improving cybersecurity efforts, there are concerns regarding the centralization of authority under the Texas Cyber Command. Critics argue that this may reduce the flexibility of local governments to respond to specific cybersecurity threats in their jurisdictions. Additionally, the required training programs could place an administrative burden on smaller local entities that may not have the resources to comply with these new statewide standards.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 11. School Districts
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 38. Health And Safety
    • Section: 307
  • Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 65. Administration Of The University Of Texas System
    • Section: 02

Government Code

  • Chapter 2054. Information Resources
    • Section: 133
    • Section: 516
    • Section: 0592
    • Section: 0591
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 5191
    • Section: 5192
    • Section: 0701
  • Chapter 772. Governmental Planning
    • Section: 012

Companion Bills

TX HB150

Identical Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4553

Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for services and commodity items provided by the Department of Information Resources and statewide technology centers.

TX HB2489

Relating to renaming the Texas Natural Resources Information System as the Texas Geographic Information Office and the duties of certain officers of that entity.

TX SB712

Relating to renaming the Texas Natural Resources Information System as the Texas Geographic Information Office and the duties of certain officers of that entity.

TX SB1159

Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for services and commodity items provided by the Department of Information Resources and statewide technology centers.

TX SJR26

Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB1055

Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.

TX HB1508

Relating to certain powers and duties in relation to information resources at public institutions of higher education and other state agencies.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB4462

Relating to transferring data analysis and certain reporting functions from the Department of Family and Protective Services to the Texas Tech University System.

Similar Bills

TX HB150

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.

TX SB1779

Relating to security for state agency information and information technologies.

TX HB4214

Relating to matters concerning governmental entities, including cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning.

TX HB8

Relating to cybersecurity for state agency information resources.

TX HB3892

Relating to matters concerning governmental entities, including cybersecurity, governmental efficiencies, information resources, and emergency planning.

TX SB64

Relating to cybersecurity for information resources.

TX SB475

Relating to state agency and local government information management and security, including establishment of the state risk and authorization management program and the Texas volunteer incident response team; authorizing fees.