Protecting Information by Local Leaders for Agency Resilience Act; PILLAR Act
Summary
The PILLAR Act reauthorizes and amends the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program under the Department of Homeland Security. It focuses on enhancing cybersecurity measures at the state and local levels, particularly concerning artificial intelligence and operational technology systems. The act extends the program's authorization through 2035 and modifies grant provisions to improve cybersecurity infrastructure.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased funding and resources for state and local governments to improve their cybersecurity infrastructure. It emphasizes the adoption of multi-factor authentication and addresses vulnerabilities in outdated systems. The act also aims to enhance coordination and information sharing among different levels of government and the private sector.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced cybersecurity for state and local government systems.
- Improved protection against cyber threats, including those involving AI.
- Increased resilience of critical infrastructure.
- Promotion of best practices and methodologies in cybersecurity.
- Better coordination and information sharing among government entities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to state and local governments due to matching requirements.
- Risk of bureaucratic delays in grant distribution.
- Possible challenges in implementing new cybersecurity measures, especially in rural areas with limited resources.
- Concerns about the effectiveness of the program in addressing rapidly evolving cyber threats.
- Potential for misuse or mismanagement of grant funds.
Constitutional Alignment
The PILLAR Act aligns with the Constitution's objective to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). By enhancing cybersecurity at the state and local levels, the act contributes to national security by protecting critical infrastructure and government systems from cyberattacks. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).