STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2020) – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) to help improve our state’s cybersecurity passed out of the House of Representatives and could soon be law.
Two of the world’s largest suppliers of 5G network technologies are private Chinese companies ZTE and Huawei. Soliday said despite being private, these companies are required to comply with China’s intelligence laws and allow the Chinese government access to information they have collected. He said this could create a pathway to access American networks and gain information, release malware or spread misinformation.
This legislation would prohibit state agencies and political subdivisions from purchasing equipment or services from a company labeled as a security threat. Soliday said this change would align our list of prohibited businesses with that of the federal government.
“The world of technology has advanced faster than some ever thought possible,” Soliday said. “Though it plays an important role in our day-to-day lives, we must be cautious of our information and who might be collecting it. The federal government has already identified these companies as potential security threats. Through this legislation, we could strengthen safeguards to prevent spying and protect Hoosiers from online dangers.”
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), co-sponsor of the bill, said this measure would ensure Hoosier tax dollars are not being used to support a prohibited person or business.
“These companies pose a serious and obvious risk to the security of our state and nation,” Pressel said. “Prohibiting the purchase of equipment from these businesses will help protect Hoosiers and make sure our tax dollars aren’t being used to support these untrustworthy companies.”
Senate Enrolled Act 197 is now eligible to be signed into law by the governor. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House
District 4, which includes a portion of Porter County.
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) (podium) discusses legislation he is working on that could help improve our state’s cybersecurity Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The legislation would prohibit state agencies and political subdivisions from purchasing technology equipment or services from a company labeled as a security threat. Soliday said this change would align Indiana’s list of prohibited businesses with that of the federal government. Senate Enrolled Act 197 is now eligible to be signed into law by the governor.
