The bill amends sections 125.18 and 5922.08 of the Revised Code and enacts new sections 5502.282, 5502.283, and 5922.09 to enhance cybersecurity measures for municipal corporations in Ohio. It establishes the role of the state cybersecurity strategic advisor, who will assess the cybersecurity infrastructure of municipal corporations annually and report findings to the governor and the General Assembly. The advisor is also empowered to certify and contract with private cybersecurity firms to assist in these assessments and respond to cybersecurity incidents. Additionally, the bill mandates that countywide emergency management agencies incorporate the use of a secure toll-free cyber attack telephone line into their emergency plans.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a toll-free telephone line for state, county, or local government entities to report cyberattacks and request immediate support from the Ohio cyber reserve. This line will be staffed 24/7 and protected against eavesdropping. The amendments to section 5922.08 allow the governor to deploy the Ohio cyber reserve to assist entities affected by cyberattacks, ensuring a rapid response within 48 hours. The existing sections 125.18 and 5922.08 are repealed, streamlining the legal framework for these cybersecurity initiatives.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 125.18, 5922.08