Governor Signs Senator Dodd's Cyberterrorism Bill

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, adding “cyberterrorism” to the list of conditions that constitute a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act.

“It is essential that we have the tools necessary to defend our state from cyberterrorism and to assist in recovery efforts,” Senator Dodd said. “I applaud Gov. Brown for calling out this threat and protecting Californians from the loss that could result from attacks on private institutions and public services.”

Gov. Brown signed Senate Bill 532 late yesterday.  It authorizes the governor to respond quickly, allocating resources to ensure public safety and safeguard property, similar to what happens in an earthquake, wildfire or other natural disaster. The bill won overwhelming support in the Assembly and Senate and was backed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

According to the California Military Department, the state’s size and importance makes it vulnerable to cyberterrorism. “Hacktivists,” nation-states, and other terrorist threat groups are attacking government networks to steal sensitive information and make political or economic statements.  They could interrupt services and infrastructure, private businesses, or pose a threat to national security.

“Like an earthquake or wildfire, cyberterrorism has the potential to significantly disrupt our lives,” said Mark Essick, Sonoma County’s sheriff-elect. “It makes sense that we include it on the list of reasons for declaring a state of emergency. I thank Governor Brown and Senator Dodd for recognizing this very real threat."

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.