To direct the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to establish a School Cybersecurity Clearinghouse, and for other purposes.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (16 Oct 2020): Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
The Enhancing K-12 Cybersecurity Act would create new resources to address cyberattacks on elementary and secondary schools. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) would establish an online resource, a "School Cybersecurity Clearinghouse," to share information and best practices for improving school cybersecurity. CISA would also create a voluntary registry for schools to report cyberattacks.
Additionally, the National Science Foundation would administer a grant program to help schools and educational agencies improve their cybersecurity. Grants would be available to expand the cybersecurity workforce and upgrade cyberinfrastructure, with funds authorized for fiscal year 2020, remaining available through fiscal year 2021. The bill also specifies preference for grants to entities serving a higher percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch or households receiving food assistance.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2020 and referred to multiple committees. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet progressed further in the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Enhancing K-12 Cybersecurity Act
This bill establishes resources and a grant program to address cyberattacks on elementary and secondary schools.
First, the bill directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to establish an online clearinghouse to disseminate information, best practices, and grant opportunities to improve cybersecurity in elementary and secondary schools.
In addition, CISA must establish a registry to track incidents of cyberattacks on schools. Schools may voluntarily submit information to the registry.
Finally, the bill requires the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure within the National Science Foundation to make grants to schools and educational agencies to address cybersecurity threats by expanding workforce capacity and improving cyberinfrastructure.
Timeline
16 Oct 2020
Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8612 do?
- The Enhancing K-12 Cybersecurity Act would create new resources to address cyberattacks on elementary and secondary schools. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) would establish an online resource, a "School Cybersecurity Clearinghouse," to share information and best practices for improving school cybersecurity. CISA would also create a voluntary registry for schools to report cyberattacks. Additionally, the National Science Foundation would administer a grant program to help schools and educational agencies improve their cybersecurity. Grants would be available to expand the cybersecurity workforce and upgrade cyberinfrastructure, with funds authorized for fiscal year 2020, remaining available through fiscal year 2021. The bill also specifies preference for grants to entities serving a higher percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch or households receiving food assistance. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2020 and referred to multiple committees. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet progressed further in the legislative process.
- Has H.R. 8612 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8612. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8612?
- H.R. 8612 was sponsored by Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-6] (D-CA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8612?
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (16 Oct 2020).
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