Technology (Cybersecurity)

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.

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.