The Congressional Budget Office estimates a House bill requiring the Department of Homeland Security to offer cybersecurity support for state and local agencies would cost $65 million to implement for fiscal years 2016 through 2021.
CBO said Wednesday the State and Local Cyber Protection Act calls for DHS to help non-federal agencies to identify information system vulnerabilities and adopt cyber policy, training and risk management programs.
The budget watchdog indicated it expects DHS to provide free cybersecurity assistance to state and local governments through the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center if the bill is enacted.
MS-ISAC currently offers services for a fee or with DHS-provided grant money, according to CBO.
CBO also forecasts that implementing the bill will not increase direct government spending or budget deficit levels “in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2026.”