Texas residents, businesses and municipalities are slated to receive enhanced cybersecurity research and support following the signing of House Bill 150 (HB 150).
HB 150, introduced during the 89th Legislative Session, designates San Antonio as the home of the new Texas Cyber Command, which is designed to manage and guide the state’s digital protection and prevention strategies. Following the bill’s enactment, the state will create a state-based cybersecurity department that identifies and repairs existing vulnerabilities within digital systems as well as coordinates with local, state and regional agencies to counter cyber attacks.
The construction of the San Antonio-based facility will be funded by a $135 million investment by the state, according to the Governor’s Office. While additional funding sources are anticipated, the command center is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
The future Texas Cyber Command will utilize an extensive cybersecurity and information technology talent pool within the region. The cyber facility will also leverage its proximity to the University of Texas at San Antonio, where the second-highest number of cybersecurity bachelor degrees are awarded nationally, according to the governor. The state will direct the Texas Cyber Command to create and operate a cyber threat intelligence center, partner with governments on cyber attack response and collaborate with additional partners to establish a “gold standard for cybersecurity.”
Texas’ counties, cities and other municipalities have recently faced a wave of digital cyber attacks on infrastructure, essential systems and data storage facilities. While Texas municipalities have received backlash for some attacks, governments throughout the country are managing active threats and future cybersecurity risks. In Texas, these attacks prompted Gov. Abbott to declare cybersecurity as an emergency priority for the 2025 legislative session.
HB 150’s signing will act on the state’s emergency effort, establish a future hub for all cybersecurity strategies and leverage in-state talent to deliver cyber solutions for Texans throughout the state.
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