Cybersecurity Policy Report, La. Bill Banning Schools’ Purchases of Untrustworthy Telecom Gear Advances, (Oct 15, 2020)
The Louisiana state House this week voted to pass a bill that would require purchases of telecommunications or video surveillance equipment by certain state and local educational entities to be in compliance with the federal National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The provisions of SB 30 would apply to state and local educational entities, including public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools, institutions and governing authorities, and to certain "nonprofit and proprietary schools" that receive state funds.
The bill notes that the NDAA includes two provisions that apply to all federal acquisitions: "(1) a prohibition from purchasing telecommunications and video surveillance equipment or services manufactured or provided by five named companies and their subsidiaries or affiliates (Huawei Technologies Co.; ZTE Corp.; Hytera Communications Corp.; Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co.; and Dahua Technology Co.); and (2) a prohibition from entering into a contract with companies that use any equipment, system, or service that uses prohibited telecom as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system."
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Barry Milligan (R., District 38).
News: StateLegislation DataSecurity