Reps. White, Mohamed Provide Sponsor Testimony on Bill to Improve Cybersecurity Infrastructure for Ohio's Municipalities

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Erika White (D-Springfield Township) and Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) today provided sponsor testimony on their cybersecurity-focused House Bill (HB) 475 in the House Technology and Innovation Committee. 

“HB 475 takes proactive steps to help communities prepare, prevent and respond to cyber threats before a crisis occurs. It also recognizes that not every community has the same resources or technical expertise. HB 475 helps to level the playing field,” said Rep. White.  

“By codifying these protections, HB 475 strengthens Ohio’s preparedness and helps local governments more quickly recover from cyber-attacks. It also allows the state to contract with certified private cybersecurity firms, so even our smallest communities can get expert help when needed,” said Rep. Mohamed.   

HB 475 would:

Require the assessment of municipal corporation cybersecurity infrastructure;
Allow the Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to certify and contract with private cybersecurity firms; and
Establish a toll-free line to the Ohio Cyber Reserve.

The bill awaits further hearings in the House Technology and Innovation committee.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Pictures of Reps. White and Mohamed providing sponsor testimony are attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.