Illinois Spending on Restricted Technology

State Blog – Prairie Infrastructure Protection Act First Step In Protecting Illinois’ Data

Download the Illinois
Fact Sheet

Overview:

Between 2021 and 2023, the state of Illinois spent $8,473 on restricted Chinese technology from Lenovo, Inc.

Progress:

In March 2023, Rep. Blaine Wilhour introduced HB 3581 to prohibit the state from entering contracts for critical infrastructure services with companies associated with China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or another designated county.

The Problem

Technology products by Chinese government-owned technology manufacturers Lenovo and Lexmark have been banned by U.S. military and intelligence agencies due to their connection to the Chinese government and military, but are still being purchased by state government bodies. While federal policy directs information security at the federal level, states must determine their own security standards making states vulnerable to intrusion through the purchase of these risky Chinese technology products and services.

Download the Briefing Paper

The Solution

State lawmakers can enact laws and regulations to restrict contracts with Chinese-owned or operated tech manufactures.
As awareness grows among state lawmakers, there is a shift at the state level to take these threats more seriously. Some states, such as Georgia and Florida, already have laws or regulations to restrict contracts with Chinese-owned or operated tech manufactures that can serve as model policies, and nearly a dozen more states currently considering legislation.

Learn More