Bill > S39

This bill establishes a comprehensive cybersecurity protection framework for Massachusetts by creating the Massachusetts Cyber Incident Response Team, a standing subcommittee designed to enhance the state's ability to prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from significant cybersecurity incidents. The team will consist of key representatives from various state agencies, including technology services, public safety, state police, emergency management, and the National Guard, and will be responsible for reviewing cybersecurity threat information, developing an annual cybersecurity incident response plan, and conducting regular tabletop exercises to test the state's preparedness. The bill also expands the definition of personal information to include new categories like biometric information, genetic information, health insurance information, medical information, and specific geolocation information, and mandates that organizations owning or licensing such data promptly report any security breaches or unauthorized data acquisitions that could potentially harm residents. Additionally, the bill requires critical infrastructure entities to report cybersecurity incidents to the Commonwealth Fusion Center, providing detailed information about the incident, and allows the fusion center to coordinate response measures with various agencies and entities. The legislation is considered an emergency measure, emphasizing the immediate need to protect sensitive personal information and improve cybersecurity resilience across Massachusetts governmental and critical infrastructure sectors.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S39