To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kelly Ballard, City Secretary
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution adopting a policy prohibiting the installation or use of certain social media application, including TikTok, on City-owned or leased devices in compliance with S.B. No. 1893, and providing for an effective date.
Background:
During the 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2023), Senate Bill 1893 was enacted to address security concerns associated with TikTok and certain other social media applications on governmental devices. The legislation prohibits the installation and use of these applications on devices owned or leased by governmental entities, including cities, and mandates the removal of any currently installed applications.
While S.B. 1893 became effective upon the Governor’s signature in 2023, the requirement for local governments to adopt specific policies did not take effect until the Department of Information Resources (DIR) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) jointly released a model policy on September 16, 2024.
The DIR/DPS guidance allows for policy customization but requires all cities to implement local policies by November 20, 2024.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Legal Review:
Staff has reviewed the DIR/DPS model policy and consulted with the City Attorney to develop a compliant policy for consideration by the City Council.
Alternatives:
City Council has the following alternatives:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with changes
- Denial
Council Action:
Approval as submitted.