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TDLR updates personnel manual to implement Gov. Abbott27s GA‑48; commission approves changes
Summary
TDLR revised parts of its personnel manual and ethics policy to implement executive order GA‑48, adding cyber intelligence review requirements for certain IT staff and requiring employees to report offers of gifts or travel from designated foreign adversaries.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation commission approved amendments to the department personnel manual to implement Governor Abbott’s executive order GA‑48, which directs state agencies to take steps to protect critical infrastructure from specified foreign adversaries.
Doug Jennings, general counsel, summarized the order and the personnel changes the department proposed. The policy amendments prohibit employees from accepting travel or gifts from entities associated with designated foreign adversaries and establish reporting and review procedures. The staff presentation identified the short list of adversaries the executive order targets and said the department will mirror the executive order’s language.
Sharon Hemoia, TDLR director of human resources, described a proposed cybersecurity ‘‘cyber intelligence review’’ for employees in information security and IT services. The draft policy initially recommended a three‑year cadence but the commission workgroup recommended reviews on hire and every two years thereafter; HR said the reviews would be administered through the Office of General Counsel’s LR Net page and would be coordinated with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrangements where required by GA‑48.
Jamie Weber, assistant general counsel, said the ethics language mirrors GA‑48 and adds an internal reporting route and disciplinary consequences for violations, including potential termination under the department’s disciplinary policy. She said the policy references the federal regulatory list (15 CFR 791.4) for entities associated with foreign adversaries and that the Office of General Counsel will publish updates and frequently asked questions on LR Net for staff.
The commission voted to adopt the personnel manual amendments and directed staff to notify employees about the new review cadence and reporting process. Commissioners asked for practical details on timing; HR said existing employees would be scheduled for the reviews on their anniversary dates or at the time of first implementation. The motion to approve the proposed changes carried by voice vote.
