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Minutes for HB2331 - Committee on Ways and Means

Short Title

Enacting the representative Jim Morrison cybersecurity act and establishing the Kansas information technology enterprise.

Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 28, 2017

Chairperson McGinn opened the hearing on HB 2331.

Representative Pete DeGraaf testified in support of the bill.  We are in an information war and protecting our citizens personal information is paramount.  This is a better bill than the one brought forward last year as there is improved oversight.  There are breaches all over the country and we need to create a "walled city" and consolidate our efforts.  Representative DeGraaf provided possible amendments in his testimony.  (Attachment 1)

Phil Wittmer spoke in support of the bill.  The intent of the bill is to transfer funding to a central  agency (KITE) as we need to align accountability and authority.  Security is by far the most important piece of this and he would like to see a co-operative structure with agencies involved.  Mr. Wittmer responded to questions from Committee members.  (Attachment 2)

Joe Acosta addressed the members with an overview of the security aspects of the bill.  His IT security office has visibility of only about 10% of agencies, which is a very small aspect of what they should be doing.  He addressed the various areas that need to be addressed including role-based training to avoid phishing scams, ensuring patches are done and hardware is kept up to date to reduce vulnerabilities.  Mr. Acosta responded to questions from Committee members.  (Attachment 3)

Senator Schmidt distributed copies of news articles regarding information technology equipment that was leased but not deployed and is reportedly sitting in the basement of the Docking Building.  She expressed concern regarding the lack of oversight and action on this issue.  Mr. Wittmer responded to questions from Committee members regarding the news articles.  (Attachment 4)

Mr. Wittmer continued his presentation by stating that he wants to pass this as legislation versus an executive order because his successor will need to continue this plan.  He invited non-cabinet agencies to form a group to be involved in the planning and execution of this security plan.  He added that this is not about taking money from agencies but it is about giving them better service. 

Written testimony in support of the bill was submitted by Sherriene Jones-Sontag of the Kansas Lottery.  (Attachment 5)

Written testimony in opposition to the bill was submitted by Brian Wood, Kansas Organization of State Employees.  (Attachment 6)

There being no further conferees, Chairperson McGinn closed the hearing on HB 2331.

Chairperson McGinn adjourned the meeting at 1:44.