On February 4, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson submitted testimony before the Health and Government Operations Committee in support of HB 209 – State Finance and Procurement – Local Cybersecurity Preparedness and Response Plan and Assessment – Repeal.
This bill repeals a duplicative cybersecurity planning requirement for county governments, local school systems, and local health departments.
As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and sophistication, local governments must remain agile and well-coordinated in their cybersecurity efforts. Ensuring the safety and security of digital infrastructure is a top priority for counties, but unnecessary requirements can hinder rather than help these efforts.
This mandate is redundant, as other provisions in state law already require appropriate cybersecurity planning and response efforts by the same actors. Counties did not request this requirement, and its removal will help clarify cybersecurity responsibilities while avoiding conflicting or unnecessary regulatory burdens.
HB 209’s cross-file, SB 239, was heard in the opposite chamber, the Health and Government Operations Committee, on March 25. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
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