Illinois lawmakers advance water utility cybersecurity and registry bills

Illinois lawmakers are developing legislation to strengthen cybersecurity protections for local water utilities. House Bill 3576, introduced in response to summer cyberattacks on municipal water systems, would mandate that public water utilities maintain cybersecurity insurance, adhere to recognized industry frameworks, and submit regular compliance and incident reports.

State Representative Dagmara Avelar, the bill's lead sponsor, indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding oversight. Lawmakers are considering shifting oversight responsibilities to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency rather than the Illinois Commerce Commission to ensure broader coverage of both public and private utilities.

Separately, State Senator Darby Hills is seeking to close a loophole in the state's sex offender registry laws. Senate Bill 2381 would require sex offender registration for adults convicted of sexually motivated, unauthorized video recording of a minor, even in cases where victims do not testify.