BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.S.B. 988

By: Van de Putte

Technology

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Technology is a driving force in society, creating new opportunities in fields ranging from economics to national defense.  Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation.  The cybersecurity industry presents a new field of economic growth that will be essential in the future.  Researching new opportunities in cybersecurity will prove vital for the future of Texas.

C.S.S.B. 988 creates the Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council, composed of representatives of governmental agencies, businesses, and institutions of higher education, to conduct an interim study and make recommendations. 

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

C.S.S.B. 988 amends the Government Code to establish the Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council and requires the council to conduct an interim study and make recommendations to the executive director of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) regarding improving the infrastructure of Texas' cybersecurity operations with existing resources and through partnerships between government, business, and institutions of higher education and examining specific actions to accelerate the growth of cybersecurity as an industry in Texas.  

C.S.S.B. 988 establishes that the council is composed of nine members appointed by the executive director of the DIR as follows: one representative from the DIR; one representative from the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office in the office of the governor; two representatives from institutions of higher education with cybersecurity-related programs; one representative from a public junior college, as that term is defined in provisions relating to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, with a cybersecurity-related program; one state military forces liaison experienced in the cybersecurity field; and three representatives from chamber of commerce organizations or businesses who have a cybersecurity background.  The bill requires the executive director of the DIR to appoint the members of the council not later than the 30th day after the bill's effective date. 

C.S.S.B. 988 requires the council to elect a presiding officer from among its members and specifies that a council member serves at the pleasure of the executive director without compensation or reimbursement of expenses.  The bill requires the council to meet at the call of the presiding officer at least quarterly and authorizes the council to request the assistance of state agencies, departments, or offices to carry out its duties. 

C.S.S.B. 988 requires the council, not later than December 1, 2012, to submit a report based on its findings to the executive director of the DIR, the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the higher education committees of the senate and house of representatives, the Senate Committee on Economic Development, the House Technology Committee, and the House Economic and Small Business Development Committee.  The bill defines "council."  The bill sets its provisions to expire on September 1, 2013, and abolishes the council on that date. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.S.B. 988 differs from the original by updating a reference to reflect the current standing committees of the 82nd Legislature.