BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2689

By: Dean

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised over the number of cyber attacks on the networks of public school districts, and there have been calls to put in place a system for the centralized reporting of these attacks. In an effort to equip the state with information needed to address these attacks, H.B. 2689 requires the superintendent of each district to designate a cybersecurity coordinator for purposes of reporting cybersecurity incidents to the Texas Education Agency.   

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 2689 amends the Education Code to require the superintendent of each public school district to designate a cybersecurity coordinator to serve as a liaison between the district and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in cybersecurity matters. The bill requires a district's cybersecurity coordinator to report to TEA any cyber attack, attempted cyber attack, or other cybersecurity incident against the district cyberinfrastructure as soon as practicable after the discovery of the attack or incident. Information so reported is confidential and not subject to disclosure under state public information law.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.