Technology (Cybersecurity)

in committee · Texas · Senate Mar 11, 2025

SB 1686: Relating to requiring the cybersecurity council to conduct a study concerning the cybersecurity of school districts.

SB 1686 requires Texas' cybersecurity council to study school district cybersecurity practices and costs. The council must examine how districts can better protect against cyber threats, address rising security expenses, and overcome barriers to purchasing cybersecurity tools. The study must consider current best practices, incident impacts, resource availability, and emerging risks from new technologies. By September 1, 2026, the council must submit a report to state leaders with findings - including cybersecurity insurance costs - and recommendations for improving district security and managing costs. The bill expires September 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates cybersecurity council study to improve school district protection against threats, aligning with cybersecurity strengthening and data security priorities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

Track

in committee · Texas · Senate Mar 24, 2025

SB 2176: Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command as a component institution of The University of Texas System and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.

SB 2176 establishes the Texas Cyber Command as a new component institution within the University of Texas System. It transfers specific cybersecurity-related duties and powers from the Department of Information Resources to this new entity. The command will provide cybersecurity services to critical infrastructure operators (such as energy, water, and healthcare facilities) and local governments through contracts, focusing on protecting systems defined as "critical infrastructure" under the bill. This is a structural reorganization bill, not a policy change affecting daily life.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes Texas Cyber Command to protect critical infrastructure via enhanced cybersecurity services, directly strengthening cybersecurity measures under the topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

Track

in committee · Texas · House Mar 7, 2025

HB 1172: Relating to requiring the Department of Information Resources to conduct a study concerning the cybersecurity of small businesses.

HB 1172 requires Texas' Department of Information Resources to study cybersecurity challenges faced by small businesses, focusing on protecting against threats, supply chain risks, and recovery from incidents. The study will examine barriers to obtaining cybersecurity tools, the cost of existing tax incentives, and the impact of cyberattacks on small businesses. It specifically assesses whether a state grant program could help small businesses upgrade security systems and access training. The bill does not create new programs but aims to inform future policy decisions based on this research.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates study on small business cybersecurity, assessing barriers and potential grants to enhance protection against threats and recovery from incidents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Tags Small Business

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in committee · Texas · Senate Mar 4, 2025

SB 1034: Relating to cybersecurity for retail public utilities that provide water or sewer service.

SB 1034 requires retail public utilities providing water or sewer service in Texas to adopt specific cybersecurity measures. Key provisions include prohibiting direct internet connections for critical operational systems (like SCADA), mandating employee identity verification before network access, and requiring annual cybersecurity training for relevant staff. Utilities must also conduct security assessments and comply with rules developed by the utility commission and the Department of Information Resources. The bill directly affects water and sewer utilities by imposing new operational cybersecurity standards to protect critical infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates specific cybersecurity measures for utilities, including prohibiting direct internet access to critical systems and requiring staff training/assessments, directly strengthening cybersecurity protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

Track

in committee · Texas · House Mar 31, 2025

HB 4231: Relating to cybersecurity for retail public utilities that provide water or sewer service.

HB 4231 amends two sections of the Texas Government Code to expand eligibility for state cybersecurity services. It adds "a retail public utility that provides water or sewer service" (defined under Water Code §13.002) to the list of entities eligible to receive these services under Section 2054.0525. The bill also modifies Section 2059.058 to allow the state department to provide network security services to these utilities via agreement. This directly affects water and sewer utilities by enabling them to access state cybersecurity support, though it does not mandate participation or funding. The bill focuses on expanding service access, not altering utility operations or creating new obligations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands state cybersecurity services to water/sewer utilities, directly strengthening their network security protections per bill amendments to Government Code sections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

Track

in committee · Texas · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 5352: Relating to the establishment of the State Blockchain Technology Pilot Program by the Department of Information Resources.

HB 5352 establishes a pilot program for Texas state agencies to test blockchain technology under the Department of Information Resources. The program will explore using blockchain to securely store records, track procurement, verify identities for employees/contractors/citizens, and detect fraud. The governor selects one state agency to participate based on feasibility, budget, and cybersecurity factors. The department must report on the program's results by January 1, 2029. This affects state agencies participating in the pilot but does not create immediate statewide requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes blockchain pilot for secure record storage, fraud detection, and identity verification under cybersecurity guidelines, directly advancing tech solutions for state security.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

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passed · Texas · Senate May 26, 2025

SB 1447: Relating to standards adopted by the Texas Education Agency regarding the use of electronic devices and software applications by public schools.

SB 1447 requires the Texas Education Agency to create standards for public schools using electronic devices and software. It mandates that schools minimize student data collection, obtain direct parental consent for most apps (except essential testing tools), and prohibit apps from conducting unauthorized mental health assessments. The bill also requires schools to provide parents with cybersecurity resources, set device deactivation periods for safety, and consider age-appropriate device use in classrooms. These standards apply directly to all Texas public school districts and charter schools, affecting how they manage student technology access.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates student data privacy protections, parental consent for apps, and safety standards in school tech use, aligning with educational safety and access principles.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates data minimization, parental consent for apps, bans unauthorized mental health assessments, and requires cybersecurity resources - directly strengthening student data privacy and security protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Data Privacy

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passed · Texas · Senate May 27, 2025

SB 1585: Relating to a prohibition on governmental contracts with companies of foreign adversaries for certain information and communications technology; authorizing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

SB 1585 would prohibit Texas government entities (including state agencies and local governments) from entering contracts with companies owned by countries designated as threats to critical infrastructure. It specifically targets companies providing information and communications technology (like cybersecurity systems) or services for critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment facilities, and hazardous waste systems. Violations would trigger civil penalties and potentially criminal charges. The law defines "designated countries" as those identified by the governor after consulting with the public safety director.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits contracts with foreign adversary tech firms for critical infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity protections for power grids and water systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 3112: Relating to the application of the open meetings law and public information law to government information related to certain cybersecurity measures.

HB 3112 creates exceptions to Texas's open meetings law and public information law for government cybersecurity activities related to critical infrastructure. It allows government bodies to hold closed meetings and withhold specific cybersecurity information - including incident response plans, system configurations, and insurance details - from public disclosure when protecting facilities like power grids, water treatment plants, dams, or natural gas systems. The law applies only to information directly tied to protecting these critical infrastructure facilities within a government body's jurisdiction. This change aims to prevent exposing vulnerabilities while maintaining transparency for other government operations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates exceptions to withhold cybersecurity details for critical infrastructure, enhancing protection of sensitive systems like power grids and water treatment facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 3512: Relating to artificial intelligence training programs for certain employees and officials of state agencies and local governments.

HB 3512 requires state agency employees who use computers for at least 25% of their duties and local governments applying for certain grants to complete annual cybersecurity and artificial intelligence training. The law mandates that state agencies identify qualifying employees, while local governments must certify training compliance when applying for grants under Chapter 772 of the Government Code. Failure to meet these requirements results in a local government losing the grant award and being ineligible for future grants for two years. The bill directly affects state agency staff and local government officials handling cybersecurity or grant applications, with training programs needing certification under existing state law.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates annual cybersecurity/AI training for state/local staff to strengthen security practices and compliance with grant requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity