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4/7/2022
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House approves bill to protect elections cybersecurity
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STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by House Innovation, Internet and Technology Committee Chairwoman Deborah Ruggiero to authorize the secretary of state and the Board of Elections to conduct a cybersecurity assessment of Rhode Island’s elections system and create systems to protect future elections from cyberattack.
The legislation (2022-H 7732) is meant to analyze the systems currently in place and establish the structures necessary to proactively ensure that proper cybersecurity measures are taken for future elections.
“We saw firsthand in the 2016 elections how the democratic process and governance came under attack through social media and technology and how it perpetuated divisiveness amongst people,” said Chairwoman Ruggiero (D-Dist.74, Jamestown, Middletown). “In the 21st century, we need to protect all our infrastructures that we rely on every day — from financial systems, our water supply and the electrical grid to our election systems. I’m proud to work with Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and the Board of Elections on this important legislation. I commend them for taking a proactive approach and making cybersecurity an intentional strategy, not an afterthought.”
The legislation establishes an election systems cybersecurity review board, which would include the League of Cities and Towns, the State Police and Rhode Island National Guard.
It requires the secretary of state to conduct a cybersecurity assessment of the state’s elections and facilities.
It requires annual cybersecurity training and best practices for local elections officials, a critical step to protecting future elections.
Finally, the bill creates a Cybersecurity Incident Response Group that includes the State Police, the Rhode Island National Guard, Division of Information Technology, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency to establish communication protocols in the event of a cybersecurity breach on the state or local level.
A recent Gallop poll shows that Americans rank cybersecurity as a top threat facing our country, with 98% saying it’s a critical issue.
Representative Ruggiero submitted the legislation at the request of Secretary of State Gorbea. It passed the House last year as well.
“There is no finish line with cybersecurity. State and municipal governments must remain vigilant, adaptable and prepared to mitigate risk at every level. This bill helps make sure Rhode Island is ready to face the cybersecurity threats of today and the future. I thank Chairwoman Ruggiero and the House of Representatives for their support of this important legislation,” said Secretary of State Gorbea.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Cynthia A. Coyne (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) is sponsoring companion legislation (2022-S 2809). The House bill is cosponsored by Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown), Rep. June S. Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol), Rep. David A. Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston), Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston), Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly), Rep. Thomas E. Noret (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick), Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket) and Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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