House Bill 16-1453 Summary

• Creates the Colorado Cybersecurity Council within the Department of Public Safety, chaired by the Governor, to develop cybersecurity policy guidance and coordinate with state branches on cyber-related initiatives.

• Establishes cyber operation center coordination through the Department of Public Safety to work with state and federal agencies on defining operational requirements for in-state and interstate cyber defense, training, and intelligence sharing.

• Authorizes the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to partner with other institutions and nonprofits to establish and expand cyber higher education programs, training laboratories, and research and development facilities with curriculum certified by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

• Creates a Cybersecurity Cash Fund in the state treasury with an initial transfer of $7,932,020 from the general fund on July 1, 2016, and a separate Cybersecurity Gifts, Grants, and Donations Account for private and public contributions.

• Appropriates $7,932,020 to the Department of Higher Education for use by the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and $67,980 to the Department of Public Safety for implementation, effective July 1, 2016.