BILL ANALYSIS
S.B. 1102
By: Van de Putte
Technology
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Interested parties contend that the lack of a coordinated cybersecurity effort across the state is allowing malicious cyber activities to outpace the development of an effectively secure infrastructure. Some contend that the appointment of a cybersecurity coordinator will facilitate and cultivate partnerships between public and private entities that are necessary to the collective cybersecurity of Texas.
S.B. 1102 directs the executive director of the Department of Information Resources to designate an employee of the department as the state cybersecurity coordinator to oversee cybersecurity matters for the state.
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
S.B. 1102 amends the Government Code, to require the executive director of the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to designate an employee of DIR as the state cybersecurity coordinator to oversee cybersecurity matters for this state, not later than December 31, 2013.
S.B. 1102 authorizes the state cybersecurity coordinator to establish a council that includes public and private sector leaders and cybersecurity practitioners to collaborate on matters of cybersecurity concerning this state. Further, it authorizes the state cybersecurity coordinator to establish a voluntary program that recognizes private and public entities functioning with exemplary cybersecurity practices. The state cybersecurity coordinator may implement any portion or all of the recommendations made by the Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council under Subchapter N, Chapter 2054, Government Code (Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council).
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.