SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6528

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Title: An act relating to promoting economic development through protection of information technology resources.

Sponsors: Senators Brown, Sheldon, Dammeier, Parlette, Schoesler, Warnick, Honeyford, Braun, Angel, Hewitt, Miloscia, O'Ban, Becker, Rivers and Rolfes.

Background: The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is responsible for the preparation and implementation of a strategic information technology (IT) plan and enterprise architecture for the state. The OCIO's duties include standardization and consolidation of IT infrastructure and establishment of IT standards and policies, including state IT security and cybersecurity policies.

Summary of Bill: The OCIO must implement a process for detecting and responding to security incidents. Security incidents include accidental or deliberate events that result in unauthorized access, loss, disruption, or destruction of communication and IT resources. The OCIO must develop plans and procedures to ensure the continuity of operations for IT resources in the event of a security incident.

The OCIO must work with the Department of Commerce and other economic development stakeholders to facilitate the development of Washington as a national leader in cybersecurity. The act is known and cited as the Cybersecurity Jobs Act.