Bill > SB78

This bill enhances election system cybersecurity by establishing new requirements for the Secretary of State and county election officers. The bill mandates the creation of a dedicated cybersecurity expert position at the state level who will develop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including defining protected election data classes, establishing best practices for data encryption, and restricting access to sensitive election information. The legislation requires biennial cybersecurity training for personnel with access to election data, immediate notification of cybersecurity breaches to key government officials, and mandatory investigations of any detected breaches. Additionally, the bill introduces stricter storage and access protocols for election equipment, requiring a documented chain of custody and video surveillance for storage facilities. It also prohibits election systems from being connected to the Internet, except through a visible wired connection to an isolated local area network, and establishes potential legal consequences for employees who intentionally breach election systems. The cybersecurity expert will be responsible for annually verifying compliance with these new regulations, with the goal of protecting the integrity and security of election data and systems.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB78