The following testimony was submitted to the Texas House Committee on Appropriations
Texas 2036 commends the Legislature on the passage of House Bill 4018 and Senate Bill 475. These two pieces of legislation ensure that Texas is on a path to secure and modernize its IT systems.
As Texas increases the number of services available on Texas.gov or other digital platforms, cybersecurity must be a top area of focus to ensure the data and systems are protected. Today, many agencies are working with antiquated systems that remain disconnected between functions, and most agencies state that information security is their top concern. Texas has a responsibility to protect and be stewards of Texans’ data. We strongly support appropriations for these purposes, and encourage you to consider using general revenue, as indicated on the current special session call, as well as available federal funding that may be added to a future special session call. We stand ready to assist this committee on this vital issue.