# State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act

This bill is designed to help state and local governments protect themselves from cyberattacks and data breaches. Right now, many cities, counties, and state agencies struggle with outdated computer systems and limited budgets for cybersecurity, making them vulnerable to hackers who steal personal information or shut down critical services like water systems, police departments, and voting infrastructure. This bill aims to change that by providing federal support and guidance to help these local governments defend themselves better.

The bill would establish new programs and funding to help state and local governments improve their cybersecurity defenses. This includes providing grants and technical assistance so that smaller communities and agencies can upgrade their computer systems, train their IT staff, and implement better security practices. It would also create a framework for sharing information about cyber threats between federal agencies and local governments, so that when one community discovers a new type of attack, others can learn from it and protect themselves. Additionally, the bill would help local governments develop plans for responding to cyberattacks and recovering from them if they do occur.

The practical impact is that your local government services—from the DMV to your city's water department to your county's election office—would have better tools and resources to prevent hackers from disrupting those services or stealing your personal information. For taxpayers, this could mean fewer costly data breaches that expose Social Security numbers or financial information, and more reliable access to essential government services. For small towns and rural areas with limited IT budgets, this bill would level the playing field by providing resources they couldn't otherwise afford on their own.

State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act

Hassan, Margaret Wood

State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for state, territorial, and tribal governments to address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems. A grant applicant must submit a cybersecurity plan that assesses current efforts to address cybersecurity concerns and outlines grant-funded activities. FEMA may award grant funding to support the development of a plan. A grant recipient must make available at least 80% of funds to local governments with a particular focus on rural areas. The bill requires various reports concerning the grant program, including an assessment of cybersecurity needs of tribal governments. The Government Accountability Office must also study the program.