JLBC approves $650,000 transfer for Secretary of State cybersecurity monitoring after detailed questioning
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Summary
The JLBC gave a favorable review of a $650,000 transfer from special‑election savings to the Secretary of State for managed cybersecurity services, 24/7 endpoint monitoring and threat remediation for SOS systems; members pressed SOS staff on federal assistance and county impacts before approving the request by voice vote.
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee reviewed a request from the Secretary of State’s office to transfer $650,000 from special election funds to pay for temporary cybersecurity monitoring and contracted managed‑security services. Mikayla Larkin (JLBC staff) outlined the proposal; Rex Bartlett (representing the Secretary of State) and Kuru Matthew, CIO for the Secretary of State’s Office, described planned uses: continuing engagement with the managed security services provider, 24/7 monitoring, endpoint monitoring, and remediation of identified threats.
Matthew said the funds would primarily be used to "continue our engagement with our managed security services provider ... [including] monitoring our endpoints" and to provide 24/7 threat identification and remediation because it is an election year. Bartlett clarified the funds target SOS‑managed systems and do not include county voter registration machines, although county operations could be indirectly affected; the SOS intends to seek county reimbursement where appropriate and flagged a March 1 deadline for certain county reimbursements related to AVID.
Committee members asked about use of federal resources (CISA, DHS) and whether SOS had sought federal assistance; Greg Ensell (chief deputy assistant secretary of state) said the office has pursued federal partnerships historically and requested assistance starting in August after a cyber intrusion, but that federal staffing and resource availability had become more constrained. Multiple members urged SOS to continue outreach to federal partners to supplement state funding. After discussion, the vice chair moved to give a favorable review of the $650,000 request; in a voice vote the ayes prevailed despite several recorded nay votes and the committee approved the transfer.
