12 TEXAS INTERIM CHARGES. DATA SECURITY. 1 Select Committee.

House Committee on Appropriations 

#5  Trends in data security & cost savings Monitor the ongoing implementation of Article IX, Sec. 9.13 of the General Appropriations Act and determine if state agencies are realizing cost savings and/or security enhancements in state operations related to cybersecurity, information technology, and cloud computing. Study trends in cloud computing and IT delivery services, and identify whether additional cost efficiencies, economies of scale, or IT modernization could be achieved. 

 

House Committee on Business & Industry 

#3    Data gathering by employers & businesses. Review the increased use of third party data gathering, particularly individual background information and history, by Texas employers and businesses. Examine the standards for accessing, providing, and updating accurate background information used for employment purposes. 

#4 Data breaches & securing sensitive data. Study the impact of data breaches or theft on Texas consumers and businesses. In particular, study the consequences of recent data breaches and subsequent mitigation efforts. Review the existing standards of risk as well as the current best practices in securing sensitive and personal information held or used by private industries. Determine if existing rules and regulations offer adequate consumer protection while allowing continued economic success for businesses in the state. 

House Committee on Elections 

#1 Harvey & Election Security. Study the potential impact of disaster events on election administration and security. Specifically, examine any effects or vulnerabilities identified during Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent recovery period.

#2  Election Security. Study the efficiency and security of the state’s existing election protocols and systems, including but not limited to registration and early voting procedures, ballot styles, and the rules regarding time and location of polls. Identify available processes and options which could lead to increased voter participation and election integrity. 

House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation 

#1 Harvey & Data. Public/Private Partnership. Examine the role of technology in disaster preparedness and the response to Hurricane Harvey and future natural disasters. Review and make recommendations to drive innovation and efficiency and evaluate whether there are any regulatory impediments to collaboration between the public and private sectors. 

#2 Statewide Technology Centers. Evaluate whether qualifying state agencies are appropriately utilizing available state disaster recovery services, including the statewide technology centers. Consider the costs and benefits of allowing other states to participate in Texas’ statewide technology centers under Subchapter L, Chapter 2054, Texas Government Code for disaster recovery purposes.

#5 Interagency data sharing. Study how state agencies can share knowledge and practices, reduce duplicative data gathering, and conduct business in a more efficient manner through interagency data sharing. Review best practices to provide the public with more transparency and access to government information. 

 

House Committee on Investments & Financial Services 

#2 Security Breaches. Study the impact and risks that a large-scale security breach of a credit bureau has on Texans. Identify opportunities to protect Texas consumers and to mitigate the impact of such a breach. 

#4  Fin tech.  Study policy challenges in the area of financial technology. Evaluate the concept of a “sandbox” as a regulatory approach for enabling innovation and the feasibility of implementing such in Texas. If appropriate, make recommendations for possible legislative action to foster innovation in the finance industry. 

House Committee on Transportation 

#6  Smart Roads. Intelligent Transportation Systems. Study emerging issues in transportation related to technology and evaluate the state’s preparedness for addressing challenges and opportunities posed by technological advances. Review the implementation of state and federal programs and legislation related to intelligent transportation systems, autonomous vehicles, unmanned aircraft systems (i.e. drones), and other technological changes. 

Senate Select Committee on Election Security

In light of recent election irregularities in Texas, review voting security protocols as well as the responsibilities and duties of members of the Electoral
College. Specifically, examine the use of electronic voting machines and paper ballots, voting fraud and disenfranchisement occurring inside nursing homes and assisted living facilities, outside interference and manipulation of elections, and the voting requirements of presidential electors. Make recommendations to safeguard the integrity of elections, ensure the confidentiality and security of voting records, and ensure the will of the people is reflected through their ballot and carried out through their presidential electors. 

85th Texas Legislature Interim Charges | Texas House  | Texas Senate 

 

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