Rural water and wastewater cybersecurity circuit rider program

Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (22) the following: (23) Rural water and wastewater cybersecurity circuit rider program (A) In general The Secretary shall establish a cybersecurity circuit rider program, which shall be structured similar to the general authorities under paragraph (22), to provide technical assistance to associations described in paragraph (1) that operate rural water or wastewater systems— (i) to provide rapid assessments of the current ability or inability of those associations— (I) to respond to cybersecurity threats; and (II) to protect the cyberinfrastructure of those associations and public health; (ii) to develop reasonable protocols to enhance cybersecurity protection; (iii) to provide assistance to address inadequate cyber protection plans; and (iv) to document the state of cyber protection with respect to the water supplies of those associations. (B) Report requirement An entity or entities delivering the circuit rider program that receive funding under this paragraph shall submit to the Secretary an annual report documenting— (i) the utilities and communities served by the entity or entities under this paragraph; and (ii) the activities performed by the entity or entities under this paragraph. (C) Requirements for circuit riders To provide technical assistance under subparagraph (A), an entity shall possess the necessary experience and certification to effectively carry out the activities described in that subparagraph, as determined by the Secretary. (D) Authorization of appropriations In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031. (E) Continuity of essential cybersecurity circuit rider activities Activities carried out under this paragraph that are necessary to prevent imminent harm to life or property shall be treated as excepted activities and may continue during a lapse in appropriations, using unobligated balances previously appropriated under the heading Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account..