Committee advances HB 17 80 to create cyber response task force and fidelity bond for local governments and schools

Representative Meeks presented House Bill 17 80, describing it as the third bill in a set aimed at improving the state's cyber policy.

Meeks said the bill establishes a cyber response task force with representatives from state agencies, cities and counties and directs the board to set cyber policies for the state. The bill also establishes a fidelity bond to help cities, counties and public schools recover from cyber incidents; Meeks emphasized that the bond ‘‘cannot be used to pay ransom, but it can be used to help with forensics and recovery of the data negotiations, things like that.’’

Meeks told the committee the measure is agreed upon with the governor’s office, the Municipal League and the Association of Counties. No public opposition or substantive committee questions were recorded and the committee voted to pass the bill.

The bill aims to centralize cyber incident policy and create a funding mechanism for response and recovery services while restricting ransom payments.