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Bill

HB 1464

Concerning the protection of critical constituent and state operational data against the financial and personal harm caused by ransomware and other malicious cyber activities.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Barnard and 8 co-sponsors

HB 1464 mandates Washington state agencies and critical infrastructure operators implement ransomware protections and cybersecurity standards to prevent data breaches and service disruptions.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1464

Legislative bill overview

HB 1464 establishes protections and requirements for Washington state agencies and critical infrastructure operators to safeguard constituent data and operational systems against ransomware and cyber attacks. The bill addresses the financial and personal harm caused by malicious cyber activities through enhanced data security standards and incident response protocols.

Why is this important

Ransomware attacks on government agencies and critical infrastructure have increased dramatically, disrupting essential services, exposing personal data of citizens, and costing millions in recovery efforts. This bill aims to reduce vulnerability to these attacks and establish minimum security standards across state operations, protecting both public services and individual privacy.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures may require significant budget allocations from agencies and smaller critical infrastructure operators, potentially straining limited resources
  • Regulatory scope and clarity: Questions about which entities qualify as "critical infrastructure" and what specific security measures are mandatory could create uncertainty for compliance
  • Balancing security with operational efficiency: Enhanced security protocols may slow government processes or create barriers to accessing services that citizens need quickly

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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