Washington Senate passes Brown’s Cybersecurity Jobs Act

A bill to develop a strategy to make Washington state a national leader in cybersecurity has been passed unanimously by the Washington state Senate.

The bill, called the Cybersecurity Jobs Act, has been sent to the House Technology and Economic Development Committee.

Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, was the lead sponsor on the bill. Her district includes Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, a national leader in cybersecurity research.

“PNNL, along with private industries focused on network security, have offered to partner with the state in our cybersecurity efforts,” Brown said.

The state Office of the Chief Information Officer would be required to work with the Department of Commerce and economic development leaders to develop a state strategy. The office will collaborate with PNNL, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the National Guard, universities and community colleges.

This story was originally published February 15, 2016 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Washington Senate passes Brown’s Cybersecurity Jobs Act."