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Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023

2/5/2024, 11:45 AM

Summary of Bill HR 3809

Bill 118 hr 3809, also known as the Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023, aims to address the growing concern of cybersecurity threats facing rural water systems in the United States. The bill recognizes that these systems are often vulnerable to cyber attacks due to limited resources and technical expertise.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a grant program to provide funding for rural water systems to improve their cybersecurity measures. This funding can be used for training staff, implementing cybersecurity protocols, and upgrading infrastructure to better protect against cyber threats. 2. Requiring rural water systems to conduct regular cybersecurity assessments and develop response plans in the event of a cyber attack. This will help ensure that these systems are prepared to mitigate the impact of any potential cyber incidents. 3. Promoting information sharing and collaboration between rural water systems, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts. By sharing best practices and resources, rural water systems can better protect themselves against cyber threats. Overall, the Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023 aims to strengthen the cybersecurity defenses of rural water systems and ensure the safety and security of the water supply for communities across the country.

Congressional Summary of HR 3809

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023

This bill amends the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Circuit Rider Program to include cybersecurity technical assistance for rural water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. Under the program, USDA provides technical assistance to rural water systems that are experiencing day-to-day operational, financial, or managerial issues.

Specifically, the program's cybersecurity technical assistance must (1) assess system efficacy in protecting against cyber threats; and (2) implement cybersecurity plans, procedures, and technologies to protect against cyber threats.

The bill also reauthorizes the Circuit Rider Program through FY2028.

Current Status of Bill HR 3809

Bill HR 3809 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 5, 2023. Bill HR 3809 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on June 5, 2023.  Bill HR 3809's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development. as of July 10, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3809

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
14
Democrat Cosponsors
6
Republican Cosponsors
8
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3809

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Potential Impact Areas

- Computer security and identity theft
- Computers and information technology
- Rural conditions and development
- Water resources funding
- Water use and supply

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3809

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023
Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023
To include cybersecurity technical assistance in the national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program of Department of Agriculture.

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