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AI Summary
SB70 aims to protect West Virginia's government systems from foreign cyber threats by banning certain software and AI tools from designated adversary nations, with exemptions for law enforcement.
Business Impact
If you operate a state agency in West Virginia, you must stop using foreign-owned software and AI tools to avoid potential security risks.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
Senate Bill 70 seeks to enhance the cybersecurity of West Virginia's state and local government systems by prohibiting the use of software and AI tools from foreign adversaries, with exemptions for law enforcement purposes. This legislation affects all state agency officials, employees, and contractors, ensuring that sensitive data and systems are safeguarded from potential foreign surveillance and cyberattacks.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits use of software and AI tools from foreign adversary nations by state agencies.
- Bans downloading or accessing social media platforms owned by foreign entities on state devices.
- Allows for waivers from the Secretary of State for specific duties.
- Exempts law enforcement officers using these tools for law enforcement purposes.
- Defines 'state agency' and 'foreign country of concern' for clarity.
- Targets all officials, employees, and contractors of state agencies.
- Aims to enhance cybersecurity and protect citizens' data.
Latest Legislative Action
To Judiciary
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Patricia Rucker R | Sponsor | SD-016 |
| Tom Willis R | Sponsor | SD-015 |
Compliance Checklist
Cease use of foreign-owned software and AI tools
Who: All officials, employees, and contractors of state agencies
Penalty: Potential security vulnerabilities
Who: All officials, employees, and contractors of state agencies
Penalty: Potential security vulnerabilities
Obtain waivers for necessary foreign software use
Who: Officials, employees, and contractors of state agencies
Penalty: Potential security vulnerabilities
Who: Officials, employees, and contractors of state agencies
Penalty: Potential security vulnerabilities
Full Legal Analysis
Senate Bill 70 introduces significant measures to protect state and local government systems and data from foreign adversaries. The bill prohibits officials, employees, and contractors of state agencies from using or procuring any software, application, or AI tool owned by entities located in designated foreign adversary nations. This includes a ban on downloading or accessing social media platforms owned by such entities on state-owned devices. The bill also allows for waivers from the Secretary of State for specific duties, indicating some flexibility in compliance. Notably, the bill exempts law enforcement officers using these tools for law enforcement purposes. Failure to comply with these prohibitions could lead to security vulnerabilities, although the bill does not specify penalties for non-compliance, which is typical for such legislative measures. Key definitions include 'state agency' and 'foreign country of concern,' which align with existing federal designations. This bill reflects a growing trend among states to regulate technology use in government to enhance cybersecurity and protect citizens' data.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB70 on official legislature website →
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