A couple local lawmakers have been busy advancing legislation that would protect state assets from foreign influence or interference.
As part of a package of bills from House Republicans, State Representative Stephanie Scialabba is advancing legislation which would establish the Pennsylvania Cyber Security Task Force. This agency would be composed of staff from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the PA State Police, and the Public Utility Commission to assist institutions with cyber security safeguards.
Also, State Representative Tim Bonner is planning to introduce legislation that would direct the Joint State Government Commission to review policy proposals. These policies would ensure review of foreign purchases of infrastructure assets and land for possible security implications.
This legislation comes after what the U.S. military classified as a security threat when a Chinese-linked security firm purchased 370 acres of farmland near a military instillation in North Dakota.
