The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Protecting Information by Local Leaders for Agency Resilience (PILLAR) Act on Nov. 18, 2025, moving renewed funding for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) one step closer to reality. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The grant program is scheduled to expire in January 2026. Without reauthorization, states and local governments could lose access to federal support that helps strengthen defenses, improve threat detection, and support coordinated response planning.
The program is administered in Washington state by WaTech in coordination with the state Emergency Management Division (EMD) and is part of a broader federal effort under the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Grants from the program are directed at state, local, and territorial governments to address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems.
Washington state developed a statewide strategic cybersecurity plan (approved by CISA in July 2023) and solicited applications from state agencies, local jurisdictions, and Tribal governments. During the FY22 and FY23 grant rounds, more than $6.2 million in funding was allocated after a rigorous review process.
The legislation approved by the U.S. House would reauthorize the SLCGP, allowing continued federal assistance for state, local, and territorial partners as they address evolving cyber risks and build long-term resilience.
For more information, please see the SLCGP website.