A group of state representatives said Tuesday that the cybersecurity legislation they co-authored, House Bill 1704, should be voted on in the upcoming legislative session.
“This issue needs to be debated and, hopefully, signed into law as soon as possible to ensure the safety and security of our citizens’ personal information,” Reps. Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township), and Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) said in a statement.
The bill would further empower the Office of Information Technology (OIT), which oversees investments in and performance of the Commonwealth’s IT systems. It is currently in the House State Government Committee.
“Passage of this bill would ensure Pennsylvania’s cybersecurity standards meet or exceed industry standards,” the representatives said. “It would require more frequent testing of our security systems and establish a committee to regularly evaluate risks associated with emerging cyber threats. The legislation also grants the OIT director elements of financial oversight currently not in place.”
The lawmakers noted a recent cybersecurity incident at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections in which the personal information of employee and inmates was compromised as well as other recent attacks at the state Department of Human Services and the Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics.
A group of House Republican committee chairs recently sent a letter to Attorney General Josh Shapiro, asking him to conduct a full and independent investigation of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections breach.
“We applaud and join them in calling for a thorough investigation into this troubling matter,” the representatives said. “Further, we look forward to House Bill 1704 becoming law, so state government can fully engage in the protection of every Pennsylvanians’ personal data they are compelled to provide to our government.”