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Bill

SB 453

Enacting the Kansas critical infrastructure protection act to prohibit access to state critical infrastructure by countries of concern and the acquisition of critical software and other technology used in state infrastructure from countries of concern.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Craig Bowser

Kansas bans access to state critical infrastructure by designated foreign countries and restricts technology purchases from those nations to enhance security.

Died in Committee
#informationtechnology #namedacts #stateproperty
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Bill Summary · SB 453

Legislative bill overview

SB 453 establishes the Kansas Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which prohibits access to state critical infrastructure by designated "countries of concern" and restricts the acquisition of critical software and technology for state infrastructure from these same countries. The bill creates mechanisms to identify which nations qualify as countries of concern and enforcement protocols for compliance.

Why is this important

Critical infrastructure—including power grids, water systems, and communications networks—forms the backbone of essential services. Foreign access or compromised technology could theoretically enable disruption of these services, affecting public safety and economic function. This bill reflects growing national concern about supply chain vulnerabilities and foreign influence in sensitive infrastructure sectors.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's effectiveness depends on how "countries of concern" and "critical infrastructure" are defined; overly broad definitions could restrict beneficial international trade and innovation, while narrow ones may leave vulnerabilities unaddressed
  • Implementation costs: Auditing existing systems, replacing foreign-sourced technology, and establishing compliance infrastructure could impose significant fiscal burdens on state agencies with unclear funding mechanisms
  • Interstate commerce concerns: Restrictions on technology acquisition may conflict with federal commerce authority or interstate procurement agreements, potentially inviting legal challenge
  • Practical feasibility: Modern technology supply chains are globally integrated; identifying and replacing all foreign-sourced components in critical systems presents complex logistical and technical obstacles

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

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