Cybersecurity Policy Report, Legislation to Restrict Chinese Equipment in Telecom Networks Advances in Arizona, (Mar 19, 2026)
The Arizona state Senate Committee on Public Safety voted 4-3 this week to advance a bill that would increase the restrictions on the use of technology and contractual relationships involving critical infrastructure in Arizona, particularly with respect to Chinese companies and the People’s Republic of China.
HB 2134 would prohibit the use of software produced by Chinese companies in critical infrastructure, which includes gas, oil, water, electricity, telecommunications, transportation, personal data storage, and emergency services. The legislation would require annual certification and reporting by critical communications infrastructure providers regarding the use of prohibited equipment and would require the Arizona Corporation Commission to publish and update a list of banned technologies by Dec. 31 and annually thereafter.
The bill would require governmental entities and critical infrastructure service providers to certify by March 31, 2027, and annually, that no new prohibited technology had been attached to or connected with critical infrastructure.
The bill also would prohibit governmental entities and utilities from entering into or renewing contracts involving critical infrastructure with China if such agreements would “grant direct or remote access or control over the infrastructure.”
The bill was amended in the House to remove the requirement for the Arizona Corporation Commission to produce a map of Arizona that details geographic areas serviced by critical communications infrastructure and where equipment that is manufactured by Chinese companies is located.
The bill is being sponsored by Rep. Nick Kupper (R.).
News: StateLegislation DataSecurity