Protecting Information by Local Leaders for Agency Resilience Act; PILLAR Act
Summary
The PILLAR Act reauthorizes and amends the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It extends the program through 2035 and updates definitions to include artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-factor authentication. The Act also emphasizes cybersecurity for operational technology systems and promotes best practices, particularly in identity and access management.
Expected Effects
This act will enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of state and local governments by providing funding and guidance. It will also prioritize the integration of AI and modern security measures like multi-factor authentication. Furthermore, it will improve the resilience of critical infrastructure against cyber threats.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced cybersecurity for state and local governments.
- Modernization of cybersecurity infrastructure with AI integration.
- Improved resilience against cyber threats.
- Promotion of best practices like multi-factor authentication.
- Increased outreach to rural areas and local governments with small populations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal oversight of state and local cybersecurity practices.
- Possible delays in grant disbursement due to new requirements.
- Risk of funds being used for systems that do not align with agency guidance.
- The act is subject to the availability of appropriations, which could limit its effectiveness.
- Increased costs for compliance with updated cybersecurity standards.
Constitutional Alignment
The PILLAR Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble. While cybersecurity is not explicitly mentioned, the Act falls under Congress's implied powers to enact legislation necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, as per Article I, Section 8. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).