LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada lawmakers continued discussions on multiple issues during the state’s special session this weekend, with significant movement on cybersecurity and food assistance measures.
Cybersecurity bill advances after August attack
An amended cybersecurity bill unanimously passed the Assembly on Saturday, proposing the creation of a security operations center following a statewide cyber attack in August that forced the shutdown of state facilities, including the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Timothy Galluzi, the chief information officer for the State of Nevada, testified before the Senate Public Safety and Security Committee about the August incident.
“We learned that despite years of investments and planning, we were not immune to the impacts of or the intent of cyber criminals,” Galluzi said.
The proposed security operations center would work to recruit top security talent and unify and modernize statewide systems and responses to potential threats.
“Let’s say if Las Vegas sees an indicator of compromise, they’re not required and may not have the capability to share that with us currently. But under a statewide [security operations center], we can flag that indicator of compromise, patched their system, and know that the entirety of the state is secure,” said Adam Miller, Deputy Director of the state’s Office of Information Security and Cyber Defense.
The cybersecurity bill will now return to the full Senate for debate.
Food assistance program passes Assembly
Senate Bill 3 passed the Assembly with no opposition. The measure would establish the Silver State General Assistance Program to help Nevadans struggling with food insecurity.
“No family in Nevada should have to choose between shelter, medication or food,” said Tracy Brown-May, assemblymember for Nevada’s 42nd district.
The bill addresses issues that became common during the government shutdown.
“We have all just experienced how our federal program changes negatively affected thousands of Nevada families. This measure makes sure that we provide a response as Nevadans to make sure our Nevada families are cared for in their hour of need,” Brown-May said.
The food assistance bill is now headed to Governor Lombardo’s desk to be signed into law.
The special session is set to continue Sunday, with the Assembly scheduled to reconvene at 9 a.m. and the Senate at 11:30 a.m.
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