A critical component of the act involves an audit conducted by the Auditor General assessing all critical procurements associated with the State and its vendors. This audit will identify risks linked to foreign adversaries, particularly concerning the supply chains and investments that could be threatened in the event of a Pacific conflict. The results are to be made public, ultimately aiming to improve transparency and governmental preparedness regarding security vulnerabilities.
Summary
SB3495, known as the Pacific Conflict Stress Test Act, aims to enhance the State's resilience against potential conflicts in the Pacific region involving foreign adversaries. The bill mandates the Governor to produce an annual State risk assessment that evaluates substantial risks to state and national security, economic security, and public health, beginning a day before the Governor’s annual address to the General Assembly. This assessment will consider potential threats that could disrupt the State's stability and security due to military or diplomatic actions in the Pacific theater.
Contention
Moreover, the act establishes the Select Committee on Pacific Conflict, which will consist of members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. The committee's responsibilities include overseeing the execution of the risk assessments and audits, as well as researching threats to state infrastructure. Notable contention may arise surrounding the balance between security measures and maintaining open procurement processes, with stakeholders advocating for thorough evaluations to ensure state resources are not overly exposed to risks associated with foreign adversarial actions.
A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to conduct investigations measuring the Commonwealth's capabilities and vulnerabilities during a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific and European regions and declaring an emergency.