AUGUST 23, 2019, NUMBER 32

Download the full .pdf version here: TML Legislative Update 32

CYBER ATTACK ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

According to the Texas Department of Information Resources, a ransomware attack affected 22 local government entities last week. Federal and state authorities are leading a coordinated law enforcement, assessment, and remediation response for the affected entities.

Ransomware does just what they name implies. The most common attack occurs when a city employee opens an attachment or clicks on a link in an outside email. The “ransomware” then encrypts the city’s data so that it can’t be accessed, and the hacker demands payment in exchange for a “key” that grants access.

For more information on the attack, visit the DIR’s website and/or click here for information from the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool.

AG OPINION COULD AFFECT CITY PAYDAY LENDING REGULATIONS

On July 30, Representative Jim Murphy (R – Houston), Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services, requested an attorney general opinion related to payday and auto title lending. The request asks about the authority of credit services organizations to offer loan products other than payday or auto title loans.

Should the attorney general conclude that a credit services organization can extend consumer credit outside of the conventional payday and auto title loan framework, cities that have adopted an ordinance regulating payday and auto title loans will likely need to amend those ordinances to continue regulating.

Interested cities can submit written comments to the attorney general at opinion.committee@oag.texas.gov by no later than September 6, 2019.

DISCLAIMER

TML member cities may use the material herein for any purpose. No other person or entity may reproduce, duplicate, or distribute any part of this document without the written authorization of the Texas Municipal League.