Posted: | February 11, 2021 11:55 AM |
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From: | Representative Christopher B. Quinn |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Public Utility Confidential Security Update (Former HB2562) |
The Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act plays an important role in ensuring that state agencies keep confidential vital security information that could protect life, safety, public property and public utility facilities. It has come to my attention, however, that this Act also can be interpreted as having the undesirable impact of tying the hands of agencies and their employees during emergency situations and preventing them from sharing information and effectively collaborating. Because the penalties for violating the Act are so severe, agency employees have been advised to not share information even during emergency situations, as they may face criminal punishment and a loss of employment. In the near future, I will be reintroducing legislation that will create an exception to the restrictions provided in the Act allowing for an agency and its employees to be able to share and discuss information within the rigorous protections in the Act already. My bill will also allow the organizations providing the information to update and review the information that they have previously provided to ensure it is accurate and relevant within the protections of the Act. Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation which will protect vital collaboration between agencies during emergency situations. |
Introduced as HB1397