By signing legislation today codifying the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps, Governor Rick Snyder and his administration plan to attract more individuals to assist in responding to cybersecurity incidents throughout the state.
The new law comes as Gov. Snyder today hosts the sixth annual North American International Cyber Summit (at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit), which strives to make Michigan a national leader in cybersecurity awareness, preparedness, and response.
In turn, tech hardware giant Cisco Systems in Silicon Valley today announced at the summit that it will make a sizeable investment in making Michigan “one of the most secure and digitally advanced” sectors in the country. The three-year plan includes a connected roadway pilot project, a partnership with Wayne State University to develop a digital manufacturing center, and other mobility efforts.
“I’m proud that Michigan is a national leader in addressing cybersecurity, and this bill helps continue our efforts by boosting the network of experts who are ready to respond and assist should a cybersecurity threat occur,” says Snyder.
House Bill 4508, sponsored by State Rep. Brandt Iden, creates the Cyber Civilian Corps Act or the MiC3 program, which authorizes the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) to appoint cybersecurity experts to respond and assist individuals or organizations experiencing a cybersecurity incident.
The bill also creates a process by which DTMB would deploy members to respond to cybersecurity incidents and requires all volunteers to undergo a criminal history and records check. It is now Public Act 132 of this year.
Gov. Snyder also signed five additional bills:
- House Bill 4457, sponsored by State Rep. Brandt Iden, which allows a community college to enter a multi-year contract with a service provider to finance energy efficiency improvements and conservation projects. It is now Public Act 133 of this year.
- House Bill 4583, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Whiteford, expands eligible uses of the Refined Petroleum Fund (RPF) and changes financial responsibility requirements for the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund (USTCF). New uses of RPF funds include reimbursement to local governments and county road commissions for up to $200,000 in costs associated with corrective actions related to regulated substances left on a public highway. It is now Public Act 134 of this year.
- Senate Bill 49, sponsored by State Sen. Darwin Booher, amends the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) to expand the sources of compensation available to professional guardians or conservators, allowing them to receive compensation from third parties. The bill requires that any compensation paid by a source other than the state, political subdivision, or a trust created by a court under EPIC, must be disclosed to the court in writing and served on the protected person. It is now Public Act 136 of 2017.
- Senate Bill 352. Sponsored by State Sen. John Proos, which requires the Department of Health and Human Services to frequently review the concussion awareness training program and make recommendations regarding the regularity of training. The bill also requires schools, parks, and recreation departments to ensure all adults working in youth athletic activities to receive training on sports concussions at least once every three years. It is now Public Act 137 of 2017.
