HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 24104: THE REMOVAL OF TIKTOK FROM THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR DEVICES City of
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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: January 9,2025
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Ronald Burton, City Manager //
From: Dr. Albert T. Thigpen, CAS, IPMA-SCP
Assistant City Manager—Administration
RE: Proposed Resolution No. 24104
Introduction:
This agenda item seeks City Council's adoption of a "Covered Applications and Prohibited
Technology Policy" to fulfill the requirements of Senate Bill 1893 and the Office of the
Governor's directive regarding the installation and use of prohibited technologies on devices
used to conduct business.
Background:
As Required by Governor Greg Abbott's directive and Senate Bill 1893, this policy establishes
a covered applications policy that prohibits using covered applications on City of Port Arthur
devices.
Budget Impact:
The creation of the policy does not have a budgetary impact. The systems used to monitor and
manage covered devices specified in Senate Bill 1893 are licensed per device. Therefore, the
costs for licenses required to enforce the policy will increase proportionately to the quantity of
City-owned devices.
Recommendation:
The recommendation is for the City Council to adopt the"Covered Applications and Prohibited
Technology Policy" in compliance with Senate Bill 1893 as directed by the Office of the
Governor.
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743
P.R. No. 24104
12/31/24 TNR
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A POLICY IN COMPLIANCE WITH
S.B. 1893 TO PROHIBIT THE INSTALLATION AND REQUIRE
THE REMOVAL OF TIKTOK OR OTHER COVERED
APPLICATIONS ON DEVICES OWNED OR LEASED BY THE
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1893, which mandates
governmental entities to implement policies prohibiting the installation of TikTok or other covered
applications on any device owned or leased by the governmental entity and to require the removal
of such applications from said devices; and
WHEREAS, TikTok and similar covered applications pose potential cybersecurity risks
to governmental operations, including unauthorized access to sensitive or confidential
information; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur is committed to safeguarding the integrity, security,
and confidentiality of its information technology systems and networks; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of a policy to comply with S.B. 1893 will enhance the City's
ability to protect its digital infrastructure and reduce vulnerabilities to cyber threats; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur hereby adopts the Policy Prohibiting the Installation
and Requiring the Removal of Covered Applications, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and
incorporated herein by reference, to comply with the requirements of S.B. 1893 Exhibit"B."
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
SECTION 2. That the City of Port Arthur hereby adopts the Policy Prohibiting the
Installation and Requiring the Removal of Covered Applications, attached hereto as Exhibit "A"
and incorporated herein by reference, to comply with the requirements of S.B. 1893.
SECTION 3. That the adopted policy shall:
1. Prohibit the installation or use of TikTok or any covered application on any device owned
or leased by the City of Port Arthur, including but not limited to computers, smartphones,
tablets, and other electronic devices.
2. If currently installed, TikTok or any covered application must be immediately removed
from all devices owned or leased by the City of Port Arthur.
SECTION 4. That the City Manager is directed to oversee the implementation of this
policy, including:
Policy Prohibiting the Installation and Requiring the Removal of Covered Applications on
Devices Owned or Leased by the City of Port Arthur
P.R. No. 24104
12/31/24 TNR
1. Ensure all City-owned or leased devices are audited to confirm compliance.
2. Providing employees with guidance and resources to support adherence to the policy.
3. Enforcing disciplinary measures as outlined in the policy for violations.
SECTION 5. That suppose any provision of this resolution or the attached policy is held
invalid. In that case, the remainder of this resolution and policy shall not be affected and shall
remain in full force and effect. All ordinances or policies in conflict with this resolution are hereby
repealed to the extent of the conflict. Relevant personnel policies shall also be amended
accordingly.
SECTION 6. That this resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage, as it does
not require publication.
SECTION 7. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes
of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED on this day of January A.D., 2025, at a
Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartie, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
Policy Prohibiting the Installation and Requiring the Removal of Covered Applications on
Devices Owned or Leased by the City of Port Arthur
P.R. No. 24104
12/31/24 TNR
APPROVED AS TO
Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney
APPROVED FODMINISTRATION:
Ronald Burtoti7PM, kr anager
Oki
Fay You{y�g, GCIO, P P
Information Technolo Director
Policy Prohibiting the Installation and Requiring the Removal of Covered Applications on
Devices Owned or Leased by the City of Port Arthur
P.R. No. 24104
12/31/24 TNR
EXHIBIT "A"
Policy Prohibiting the Installation and Requiring the
Removal of Covered Applications
Policy Prohibiting the Installation and Requiring the Removal of Covered Applications on
Devices Owned or Leased by the City of Port Arthur
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City of Port Arthur
Covered Applications and Prohibited
Technology Policy
Date: December 31 , 2024
Version: 2.0
CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction 3
1.1 Purpose 3
2.0 Covered Applications Policy for Governmental Entities 3
2.1 Scope and Definitions 3
2.2 Covered Applications on Government-Owned or Leased Devices 4
2.3 Ongoing and Emerging Technology Threats 4
2.4 Bring Your Own Device Policy 5
2.5 Covered Application Exceptions 5
3.0 Policy Compliance 5
4.0 Policy Review 6
2
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
On December 7, 2022, Governor Greg Abbott required all state agencies to ban the video-sharing
application TikTok from all state-owned and state-issued devices and networks. Governor Abbott
also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Department of
Information Resources (DIR) to develop a plan to guide state agencies on managing personal
devices used to conduct state business.
This policy is established in compliance with S.B. 1893 to ensure the cybersecurity and operational
integrity of the City of Port Arthur by prohibiting the installation and requiring the removal of
TikTok and other covered applications on devices owned or leased by the City.
2.0 COVERED APPLICATIONS POLICY FOR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES
2.1 SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS
Pursuant to Senate Bill 1893, governmental entities, as defined below, must establish a covered
applications policy:
• A department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the executive or legislative
branch of state government created by the constitution or a statute, including an institution
of higher education as defined by Education Code Section 61.003.
• The Supreme Court,the Court of Criminal Appeals, a Court of Appeals, a district Court,the
Texas Judicial Council, or another agency in the judicial branch of state government.
• A political subdivision of this state, including a municipality, county, or special purpose
district.
Personnel:
This policy applies to all City of Port Arthur full—and part-time employees, contractors,paid or
unpaid interns, and other users of government networks. All applicable parties are responsible
for complying with this policy, including all employees, elected officials, contractors,
consultants, and other individuals who utilize City Devices for work-related purposes.
City Devices: All devices owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the City of Port Arthur,
including but not limited to:
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Desktop and laptop computers
• Any other network or internet-capable devices used for official City business.
3
A covered application is:
• The social media service TikTok or any successor application or service developed or
provided by ByteDance Limited or an entity owned by ByteDance Limited.
• A social media application or service specified by proclamation of the governor under
Government Code Section 620.005.
• Any social media application, software, or platform, including but not limited to TikTok,
identified by the State of Texas or the City of Port Arthur as posing a cybersecurity risk or
otherwise subject to this policy.
2.2 COVERED APPLICATIONS ON GOVERNMENT-OWNED OR LEASED DEVICES
Except where approved exceptions apply, the use or installation of covered applications is
prohibited on all government-owned or-leased devices,including cell phones,tablets,desktop and
laptop computers, and other internet-capable devices.
The City of Port Arthur will identify,track, and manage all government-owned or-leased devices,
including mobile phones,tablets,laptops,desktop computers,or any other internet-capable devices
to:
a. Prohibit the installation of a covered application.
b. Prohibit the use of a covered application.
c. Remove a covered application from a government-owned or-leased device that was on the
device before the passage of S.B. 1893 (88th Leg, R.S.).
d. Remove an application from a government-owned or-leased device if the Governor issues
a proclamation identifying it as a covered application.
The City of Port Arthur will manage all government-owned or leased mobile devices by
implementing the security measures listed below:
a. Restrict access to "app stores" or unauthorized software repositories to prevent the
installation of unauthorized applications.
b. Maintain the ability to wipe non-compliant or compromised mobile devices remotely.
c. Maintain the ability to uninstall unauthorized software from mobile devices remotely.
d. Other Governmental Entity-implemented security measures.
2.3 ONGOING AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY THREATS
To protect the government's sensitive information and critical infrastructure against ongoing and
emerging technological threats,DPS and DIR will regularly monitor and evaluate additional social
media applications or services that pose a risk to this state.
4
DIR will annually submit to the Governor a list of social media applications and services identified
as posing a risk to Texas. The Governor may proclaim items on this list as covered applications
subject to this policy.
If the Governor identifies an item on the DIR-posted list described by this section, then The City
of Port Arthur will remove and prohibit the covered application.
The City of Port Arthur may also prohibit social media applications or services in addition to those
specified by the governor's proclamation.
2.4 BRING YOUR DEVICE POLICY
If the City of Port Arthur has a"Bring Your Own Device"(BYOD)program,then the City of Port
Arthur may consider prohibiting the installation or operation of covered applications on employee-
owned devices used to conduct government business.
2.5 COVERED APPLICATION EXCEPTIONS
The City of Port Arthur may permit exceptions authorizing the installation and use of a covered
application on government-owned or -leased devices consistent with the authority provided by
Government Code Chapter 620.
Government Code Section 620.004 only allows the City of Port Arthur to install and use a covered
application on an applicable device to the extent necessary for:
(1) Providing law enforcement; or
(2) Developing or implementing information security measures.
If the City of Port Arthur authorizes an exception allowing for the installation and use of a covered
application, the City must take measures to mitigate the risks posed to the state during the
application's use.
The City of Port Arthur must document any measures it took to mitigate the risks posed to the state
by using the covered application.
Exceptions: Exceptions to this policy may be granted only in limited circumstances, such as law
enforcement investigations or other City operations requiring the use of a covered application.All
exceptions must be approved in writing by the City Manager or designee.
3.0 POLICY COMPLIANCE
All City of Port Arthur employees and applicable parties shall sign a document annually
confirming their understanding of the City's covered applications and prohibited technology
policies.
5
Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action,up to and
including teijiiination of employment or contract.
Mandatory Removal: Any covered applications currently installed on City Devices must be
removed immediately upon notification of this policy's enactment. Failure to remove such
applications constitutes a violation of this policy.
4.0 POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in state law,
additions to applications identified under Government Code Section 620.006, updates to the
prohibited technology list posted to DIR's website, or to suit the needs of the City of Port Arthur.
6
P.R. No. 24104
12/31/24 TNR
EXHIBIT "B"
S.B. 1893
Policy Prohibiting the Installation and Requiring the Removal of Covered Applications on
Devices Owned or Leased by the City of Port Arthur
S.B. No. 1893
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting the use of certain social media
applications and services on devices owned or leased by
governmental entities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle A, Title 6, Government Code, is amended
by adding Chapter 620 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 620. USE OF CERTAIN SOCIAL MEDIA APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES
ON GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY DEVICES PROHIBITED
Sec. 620.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Covered application" means:
(A) the social media service TikTok or any
successor application or service developed or provided by ByteDance
Limited or an entity owned by ByteDance Limited; or
(B) a social media application or service
specified by proclamation of the governor under Section 620.005.
(2) "Governmental entity" means:
(A) a department, commission, board, office, or
other agency that is in the executive or legislative branch of state
government and that was created by the constitution or a statute,
including an institution of higher education as defined by Section
61.003, Education Code;
(B) the supreme court, the court of criminal
appeals, a court of appeals, a district court, or the Texas Judicial
Council or another agency in the judicial branch of state
government; or
(C) a political subdivision of this state,
including a municipality, county, or special purpose district.
Sec. 620.002. DEFINING SECURITY RISK TO THIS STATE. For
purposes of this chapter, a social media application or service
poses a risk to this state if:
(1) the provider of the application or service may be
required by a foreig.government, or an entity associated with a
foreign government, to provide confidential or private personal
information collected by the provider through the application or
service to the foreign government or associated entity without
substantial due process rights or similar legal protections; or
(2) the application or service poses a similar risk to
the security of this state's sensitive information, critical
infrastructure, or both, as an application or service described by
Section 620.001 (1)(A).
Sec. 620.003. PROHIBITION; MODEL POLICY. (a) Subject to
Section 620.004, a governmental entity shall adopt a policy
prohibiting the installation or use of a covered application on any
device owned or leased by the governmental entity and requiring the
removal of covered applications from those devices.
(b) The Department of Information Resources and the
Department of Public Safety shall jointly develop a model policy
for governmental entities to use in developing the policy required
by Subsection (a) .
Sec. 620.004. EXCEPTIONS; MITIGATING MEASURES. (a) A
policy adopted under Section 620.003 may provide for the
installation and use of a covered application to the extent
necessary for:
(1) providing law enforcement; or
(2) developing or implementing information security
measures.
(b) A policy allowing the installation and use of a covered
application under Subsection (a) must require:
(1) the use of measures to mitigate risks posed to this
state during the use of the covered application; and
(2) the documentation of those measures.
Sec. 620.005. APPLICATIONS IDENTIFIED BY GOVERNOR'S
PROCLAMATION. The governor by proclamation may identify social
media applications or services that pose a risk to this state as
described by Section 620.002.
Sec. 620.006. APPLICATION IDENTIFIED BY DEPARTMENT OF
INFORMATION RESOURCES AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. (a) The
Department of Information Resources and the Department of Public
Safety shall jointly identify social media applications or services
that pose a risk to this state as described by Section 620.002.
(b) The Department of Information Resources shall:
(1) annually submit a list of applications and
services identified under Subsection (a) to the governor;
(2) publish the list on the department's publicly_
accessible Internet website; and
(2) periodically update the list on that website.
SECTION 2. Not later than the 60th day after the date the
Department of Information Resources and the Department of Public
Safety make available the model policy required by Section
620.003 (b) , Government Code, as added by this Act, each
governmental entity shall adopt the policy required by Section
620.003 (a) , Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1893 passed the Senate on
April 18, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0;
May 16, 2023, Senate refused to concur in House amendments and
requested appointment of Conference Committee; May 17, 2023, House
granted request of the Senate; May 27, 2023, Senate adopted
Conference Committee Report by the following vote: Yeas 30,
Nays 1.
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1893 passed the House, with
amendments, on May 9, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 144,
Nays 0, two present not voting; May 17, 2023, House granted request
of the Senate for appointment of Conference Committee;
May 28, 2023, House adopted Conference Committee Report by the
following vote: Yeas 139, Nays 2, two present not voting.
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved: