Bill > SB2176

This bill establishes the Texas Cyber Command as a new component institution within The University of Texas System, specifically administratively attached to The University of Texas at San Antonio, with the primary purpose of preventing and responding to cybersecurity incidents affecting governmental entities and critical infrastructure in Texas. The command will be led by a chief appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate, who will possess professional cybersecurity training and knowledge. The bill transfers certain cybersecurity-related powers and duties from the Department of Information Resources to this new command, including developing cybersecurity tools and standards, providing cybersecurity training, establishing a cybersecurity threat intelligence center, creating a digital forensics laboratory, and administering a statewide cybersecurity portal and hotline. The command will have broad responsibilities such as promoting cybersecurity awareness, developing best practices for governmental entities, collaborating with law enforcement, serving as an information clearinghouse, and offering cybersecurity resources to state agencies and critical infrastructure entities. The bill also specifies that the command will be subject to the Texas Sunset Act and will be automatically abolished on September 1, 2035, unless continued by legislative action, with a phased transition of responsibilities from the existing Department of Information Resources occurring by December 31, 2026.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2176