AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 1102 establishes the state cybersecurity coordinator, designated by the executive director of the Department of Information Resources, to be responsible for overseeing cybersecurity matters in Texas. Currently, the lack of a coordinated cybersecurity effort across the state is allowing malicious cyber activities to outpace the development of an effectively secure infrastructure. To correct this, the coordinator will facilitate and cultivate partnerships between public and private entities that are necessary to the collective cybersecurity of Texas.
The coordinator will be authorized to establish a council that includes public and private sector leaders and cybersecurity practitioners to collaborate on matters of cybersecurity. The coordinator will also be authorized to implement any or all of the recommendations made by the Texas Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council in its 2012 report, specifically the establishment of the "Cyber STAR" program, through which the coordinator will award recognition to private and public entities for demonstrating excellence in implementing cybersecurity practices.
As proposed, S.B. 1102 amends current law relating to the appointment of a state cybersecurity coordinator.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 2054, Government Code, by adding Subchapter O, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER O. STATE CYBERSECURITY
Sec. 2054.551. CYBERSECURITY COORDINATOR. Requires the executive director of the Texas Department of Information Resources (executive director) (DIR) to designate an employee of DIR as the state cybersecurity coordinator to oversee cybersecurity matters for this state.
Sec. 2054.552. PRIVATE INDUSTRY-GOVERNMENT COUNCIL. 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.
Sec. 2054.553. CYBERSECURITY APPROVAL SEAL. Authorizes the state cybersecurity coordinator to establish a voluntary program that recognizes private and public entities functioning with exemplary cybersecurity practices.
Sec. 2054.554. RECOMMENDATIONS. Authorizes the state cybersecurity coordinator to implement any portion or all of the recommendations made by the Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council under Subchapter N (Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council).
SECTION 2. Requires the executive director to designate a state cybersecurity coordinator, as required by Section 2054.551, Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than December 31, 2013.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.