S.1007 - 9–8–8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1007, the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act, aims to protect the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from cybersecurity threats. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services' Chief Information Security Officer. It also mandates reporting of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and incidents by the program's network administrator and local/regional crisis centers.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely enhance the security and reliability of the 9-8-8 suicide prevention lifeline. This is achieved by establishing clear reporting procedures for cybersecurity incidents. Additionally, it mandates a study by the Comptroller General to evaluate cybersecurity risks associated with the lifeline.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced protection of sensitive data handled by the 9-8-8 lifeline.
- Improved coordination between crisis centers and federal authorities regarding cybersecurity threats.
- Increased public trust in the confidentiality and security of the lifeline.
- Proactive identification and mitigation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
- Better allocation of resources for cybersecurity within the 9-8-8 program.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on crisis centers due to reporting requirements.
- Possible costs associated with implementing enhanced cybersecurity measures.
- Risk of delayed response times if reporting procedures are overly complex.
- Concerns about data privacy despite the bill's intention to protect it.
- Dependence on the effectiveness of the Chief Information Security Officer's coordination.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public health and safety by protecting a critical resource for mental health support. While the Constitution does not explicitly address cybersecurity, the implied power to protect the health and well-being of citizens allows Congress to enact legislation like this. The bill also respects the principles of federalism by involving both federal and local entities in the reporting and oversight processes.
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).