2024 House Bill 139: AN ACT relating to the KentuckyCYBER Program and making an appropriation therefor

This bill will create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 that establishes the KentuckyCYBER Program within the Council on Postsecondary Education. This program will work to create a secure cyberinfrastructure by educating and developing training programs to create a workforce ready to meet cybersecurity challenges. Public and private post-secondary institutions or institutions licensed by the council may choose to participate, but will not be required to carry out the following provisions. Participating institutions will provide cybersecurity resources and advice to assist the state and local government, policymakers, major economic sectors, and infrastructure systems operators. They should facilitate cyber-innovation, which is meant to strengthen Kentucky’s cybersecurity defenses. These institutions will also create cybersecurity research centers to support research on projects funded by the federal government and private industry participants. Participating institutions can apply for funds, which are subject to approval by the KentuckyCYBER Governing Board that is to be created. The KentuckyCYBER fund will consist of money appropriated by the General Assembly and any other contributions or grants. Money given to a specific university or community college will not be included in the fund. Allocations made to participating institutions will be excluded from the funding model established by KRS 164.092.

KSVT supports this bill as it works to create stronger cybersecurity in Kentucky and provides the framework for participating post-secondary institutions to receive funding for implementation.