BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3333

By: Pena

Technology

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Department of Information Resources occasionally detects threats to state networks that require the disconnection of network segments from each other or from the Internet. This prevents infections, intrusions, or other problems from spreading to other state agencies. The power to partially or entirely disconnect state networks is standard practice, but it is not a power explicitly provided to the governor or agencies acting on the governor’s behalf. H.B. 3333 provides the governor the authority to order the disconnection of state networks as a part of emergency operations to ensure continuity of government and the protection of sensitive information.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3333 amends the Government Code to authorize the governor to order the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to disconnect a computer network from the Internet in the event of a substantial external threat to the computer network if the computer network is used by a state agency or an entity other than a state agency receiving network security services from DIR. The bill requires DIR to comply with such an order.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.