SAN ANTONIO, Texas– Governor Greg Abbott will sign House Bill 150 on Tuesday in San Antonio, officially establishing the Texas Cyber Command.
The new cybersecurity center, located at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), will coordinate efforts to protect the state’s critical infrastructure and digital systems.
The Texas Legislature passed the bill earlier this year to address growing global cyber threats. The Texas Cyber Command will bring together state, local, and federal resources to strengthen cybersecurity and defend against cyberattacks, including those originating from foreign entities.
Governor Abbott highlighted the urgency of the initiative, citing the increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats. He thanked lawmakers for their support and described the new command as a vital step in protecting Texas’s infrastructure, particularly against threats from countries such as China.
The command will focus on safeguarding systems tied to essential services, including water, power, and transportation. It will also support counter-espionage operations targeting foreign cyber intrusions.
State Representative Giovanni Capriglione filed House Bill 150, emphasizing the need for a dedicated cybersecurity entity at the state level. The legislation received bipartisan backing in both chambers.
The choice to house the Texas Cyber Command at UTSA reflects the university’s national reputation in cybersecurity education and research. UTSA offers specialized programs in cyber operations and has served as a leader in cybersecurity training and development.
Governor Abbott previously identified cybersecurity as a key priority for Texas. In his State of the State Address earlier this year, he designated the Texas Cyber Command as an emergency item, fast-tracking the legislative process.