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HB 83

Virginia Information Technologies Agency; powers of the CIO; creation of Cyber Civilian Corps.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Feggans

HB 83 expands Virginia's CIO authority and establishes a Cyber Civilian Corps to strengthen state cybersecurity workforce and defense capabilities.

Continued to next session in Communications, Technology and Innovation (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 83

Legislative bill overview

HB 83 expands the powers of Virginia's Chief Information Officer (CIO) and establishes a new "Cyber Civilian Corps" program. The bill aims to strengthen the state's cybersecurity posture by creating a dedicated workforce for cyber defense and resilience initiatives under the Virginia Information Technologies Agency.

Why is this important

Cybersecurity threats to state government systems continue growing, affecting critical infrastructure, citizen data, and operational continuity. This legislation addresses workforce gaps in cybersecurity by creating a structured civilian corps, potentially improving the state's defensive capabilities and reducing vulnerability to attacks that could disrupt essential services.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and costs: The fiscal impact statement suggests budgetary implications; lawmakers may debate whether new spending is justified given state budget constraints
  • CIO authority scope: Expanding executive powers raises questions about oversight, accountability, and whether the CIO needs additional legislative checks and balances
  • Civilian vs. military structure: Concerns may arise about whether a "civilian corps" model is the most effective approach compared to existing contract security arrangements or hybrid models

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

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