Senate Bill 284 Summary

• Creates a cybersecurity pilot program through the Information Technology Innovation Center to establish public-private partnerships providing cybersecurity support services to counties designated as development tier one or tier two areas.

• Establishes a program and project management improvement pilot program within the Department of Information Technology, requiring adoption of mandatory standards, policies, and designation of a Program Management Improvement Director with responsibility for training, career development, and best practices for program managers.

• Creates the Satellite-Based Broadband Grant Program with a maximum aggregate liability of $4,000,000 and annual caps of $2,500,000 (reduced to $1,000,000 for 2020) to expand satellite-based broadband service to unserved households, with grants of up to $500 per household.

• Streamlines the lease approval process for broadband infrastructure on State property by requiring the Department of Administration to finalize new leases within 4 months and renewals within 2 months, or automatically approve the applicant's proposed terms.

• Appropriates $12,250,000 in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2020-2021, including $2,500,000 for the cybersecurity pilot program, $3,250,000 to Gaston College for the Carolina Cyber Network, $5,500,000 for Statewide cybersecurity enhancement, and $1,000,000 for the satellite broadband grant fund.