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Legislation in the States

State Legislatures in Session
(Thursday, March 14, 2024)

Graphic of States in Session as of 3.14.2024

Included below:

This information is prepared by TNPA staff based on reports supplied by FOCUS, a Leonine business, and up-to-date as of March 14, 2024. Our next update will be on March 22, 2024.

States: Consumer Data Protection / Data Privacy

As anticipated, privacy legislation came back in full force in 2021 after 20+ legislative efforts were derailed by the pandemic in 2020.  The “come back” trend has continued in 2022. Read more here.

STATES THAT HAVE PASSED BILLS INTO LAW:

NOW LAW: California (from the CA AG website): The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) gives consumers more control over the personal information that businesses collect about them and the CCPA regulations provide guidance on how to implement the law. This law secures new privacy rights for California consumers, including:

Businesses are required to give consumers certain notices explaining their privacy practices. The CCPA applies to many businesses, including data brokers.

NOW LAW: California SB 362/Chapter 709 was signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on October 10, 2023 with the bill taking effect January 1, 2026. This law, dubbed the Delete Act, seeks increased limitations on data brokers that amass and sell personal information collected online. It will create a portal for residents to remove personal data that has been collected by the 486 registered data brokers in the state, from purchase history to internet browsing habits. The law will also require data brokers to register with the California Privacy Protection Agency and disclose the types of information they collect.

NOW LAW: Colorado SB 190 was signed into law by Governor Polis on July 7, 2021. The law takes effect on July 1, 2023. Major provisions include: 

  • Enable a consumer to opt-out of the processing of their personal information. 
  • Confirm whether or not a controller is processing personal data concerning the consumer and to provide access to that information. 
  • The right to correct inaccurate personal information. 
  • The right to have personal information deleted.
  • Controllers would be required to provide a meaningful privacy notice to consumers detailing their various rights
  • Does not contain a private right of action.

Nonprofit organizations are NOT exempted from the requirements of the law.

NOW LAW: Connecticut SB 6/Public Act 22-15, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, was signed by Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont on May 10 and takes effect July 1, 2023. The law will grant consumers various rights including:

  • The right to confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data.
  • The right to correct inaccuracies in their personal data.
  • The right to delete personal data provided by or obtained about the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data processed by the controller.
  • The right to opt out of the processing of the personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects.

Controllers will be required to respond to verified consumer requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 45 days. Controllers will also be prohibited from processing the sensitive data of a consumer without their affirmative consent. The law will not apply to nonprofit organizations, does not provide a private right of action and will grant controllers a right to cure at the discretion of the attorney general. The law will also specify that a controller is not required to authenticate an opt-out request but will be able to deny a request if the controller has reasonable and documented belief that the request is fraudulent. Controllers will be required to send notice to the person making the request that they believe the request is fraudulent.

NOW LAW : Delaware HB 154 was signed into law by Democratic Gov. John Carney on September 11, 2023 and takes effect January 1, 2025. The law does apply to nonprofits. The law will apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 35,000 consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 10,000 consumers and derive more than 20 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The law will grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data they provided and opt-out of the sale of their personal data. The law does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 60-day right to cure before the attorney general may initiate any action which would remain in place until December 31, 2025. After that date, the right to cure will be up to the discretion of the attorney general. Controllers will also be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice.

NOW LAW: Florida SB 262 was signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 6, 2023 and takes effect July 1, 2024. The law will prohibit government employees or officers from using their positions or state resources for the purposes of social media content moderation. The law contains age-appropriate design code language.

The law will also grant consumers various rights including:

  • The right to confirm if a consumer’s personal data is being processed and providing access to the data.
  • The right to correct inaccurate consumer personal data.
  • The right to delete the consumer’s personal data provided by or obtained about the consumer.
  • The right to opt-out of processing of the personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similar significant effects concerning the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format.
  • The right to opt out of the collection of sensitive data, including precise geolocation data, or the processing of such data.
  • The right to opt out of the collection of personal data collected by a voice recognition feature.

Controllers will be required to take action on consumer requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 15 days and must establish a process that allows consumers to appeal a controller’s decision not to act on a request to exercise their rights. Controllers will be required to provide two methods for a consumer to submit requests taking into account the ways in which the consumer normally interacts with the controller. Controllers will be required to limit collection of personal data to what is reasonably necessary. Controllers will also be required to conduct data protection assessments for various processing activities involving personal data including targeted advertising and the sale of personal data. The law contains 45 day right to cure language but will give the Department of Legal Affairs the authority to issue guidance notifying controllers that they will not be offered any additional cure periods for future violations. The law does not contain a private right of action and does not apply to nonprofits.

Recent amendments would in part change the definition of targeted advertising to mean displaying to a consumer an advertisement selected based on personal data obtained from that consumer’s activities over time, but would not include an advertisement that is based on the context of a consumer’s current search query on the controller’s own website or online application, or is directed to a consumer search query on the controller’s own website or online application in response to the consumer’s request for information or feedback. Other amendments would prohibit a tracking entity from collecting a consumer’s tracking information without the consumer’s consent, or from collecting a consumer’s tracking information while the collecting technology is not in active use by the consumer without the consumer’s consent for continued collection. Tracking information would include precise geolocation and biometric information.

NOW LAW: Indiana SB 5, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chair Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, was signed by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb on May 1 and takes effect January 1, 2026. The law will apply to businesses that conduct business in the state or produces products or services that are targeted to residents of the state and process the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers or processes the personal data of 25,000 or more consumers and derives more than 50 percent of their revenue from the sale of personal data. The law will grant consumers various rights including, but not limited to, the right to delete data and opt-out of the sale of their personal data. The law will apply to nonprofit organizations and does not contain a private right of action.

NOW LAW: Iowa SF 262 was signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds on March 28 and takes effect January 1, 2025. The law will apply to a person conducting business in the state or producing products or services that are targeted to consumers who are residents of the state and that during a calendar year does either of the following:

  • Controls or processes personal data of at least 100,000 consumers.
  • Controls or processes personal data of at least 25,000 consumers and derives over 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The law will grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data they provided and opt-out of the sale of their personal data. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 30-day right to cure before the attorney general could initiate any action. Controllers would also be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice.

NOW LAW: Montana SB 384/Chapter 681, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Zolinkov, R-Billings, was signed into law by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte on May 19, 2023. The bill will apply to persons that conduct business in this state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to residents of this state and:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 50,000 consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derive more than 25 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The law will grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data they provided and opt-out of the sale of their personal data. The law does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 60-day right to cure before the attorney general could initiate any action. Controllers will also be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice.

NOW LAW: New Hampshire SB 255/Chapter 5 was signed by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu on March 6, 2024 and takes effect January 1. The law will not apply to nonprofits. The law will apply to persons that conduct business in this state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to residents of this state that controlled or processed the personal data of not less than 35,000 consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction, or controlled or processed the personal data of not less than 10,000 consumers and derived more than 25 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data. The law will grant consumers various rights including the right to collect inaccuracies in their personal data and delete their data. Controllers will be required to limit collection of personal data to what is adequate, relevant and reasonably necessary in relation to the purposes for which such data is processed, as disclosed to the consumer. Controllers will also be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice. The law does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 60-day right cure.

NOW LAW: New Jersey SB 332/Chapter 266 was signed by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on January 16, 2024 and takes effect January 15, 2025. Nonprofits are not exempt from the law. The law will apply to controllers that conduct business in the state or produce products or services that are targeted to residents of the state, and that during a calendar year meet one or more of the following thresholds:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 100,000 consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derives or receives a discount on the price of goods or services, from the sale of personal data.

The law will grant consumers various rights including, but not limited to, the right to delete data concerning the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of their data. Users will be able to opt-out of the processing of their data for the purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of their data via a user selected universal opt-out mechanism. The opt out mechanism will be prohibited from using a default setting that opts-in a consumer to the processing or sale of personal data, unless the controller has determined the selection clearly represents the consumer’s affirmative, freely given, and unambiguous choice to opt into any processing of such consumer’s personal data. Controllers will be required to conduct a data protection assessment prior to any processing activities that present a heightened risk of harm to the consumer. The law does not contain a private right of action.

NOW LAW: Oregon SB 619 was signed by Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek on July 18 and takes effect July 1, 2024. The law does not exempt nonprofits. The law will apply to any person that conducts business in this state, or that provides products or services to residents of this state, and that during a calendar year either controls or processes:

  • The personal data of 100,000 or more consumers, personal data from 100,000 or more devices that identify or that link to or are reasonably linkable to one or more consumers, or personal data from a combination of 100,000 or more consumers and devices.
  • The personal data of 25,000 or more consumers, while deriving 25 percent or more of the person’s annual gross revenue from selling personal data.

It will grant consumers various rights including, but not limited to, the right to delete personal data whether or not the data was previously provided, obtain a copy of that data and opt out of the sale or sharing of their data. Controllers will be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice and conduct a data protection impact assessment involving specified processing activities. The bill does not contain a private right of action.

NOW LAW: Oregon HB 2052 was signed by Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek on July 27 and took immediate effect with the registration provisions becoming operative January 1. The law will require data brokers to annually register with the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The law will impose a $500 penalty for each day the company fails to register with a maximum penalty of $10,000.

NOW LAW: Texas HB 4 was signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on June 18, 2023 and takes effect July 1, 2024. It does not apply to nonprofit organizations. The law will in part require controllers to honor global privacy controls such as a browser setting as a request to opt-out and exempt and includes 501(c)19 under the definition of a nonprofit organization. The law will apply only to a person that:

  • Conducts business in this state or produces a product or service consumed by residents of this state.
  • Processes or engages in the sale of personal data.
  • Is not a small business as defined by the United States Small Business Administration.

The law will grant consumers various rights, including the right to their personal data and to opt out of the processing of their personal data for various purposes such as the sale of data. The law contains 30 day right to cure language and does not contain a private right of action.

NOW LAW: Utah SB 227 was signed by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on March 24 and takes effect December 31, 2023. The law will grant consumer’s various rights including:

  • The right to confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data and to access their data.
  • The right to correct inaccurate personal data.
  • The right to delete the consumer’s personal data.
  • The right to obtain their personal data in an easily portable format.
  • The right to opt-out of the processing of their data for the purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of personal data.

The law does not apply to nonprofit organizations and does not contain a private right of action.

NOW LAW: Virginia SB 1392, known as the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, was signed by Governor Ralph Northam on March 2, 2021, and will take effect on January 1, 2023.  The CDPA grants consumers the right to confirm, correct, and delete personal data and opt-out of use of data for advertising or sale.  It includes an opt-in consent requirement for sensitive data.  Nonprofits are largely exempt.

The following bills, each amending a portion of the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (2021) have been passed by both houses of the General Assembly and are awaiting the signature of the Governor:

  • VA SB 393, was presented to the governor on on March 11, alongside an identical bill, HB381 (see below).
  • VA SB 516, sponsored by Sen. David Marsden, D-Burke, which would authorize the attorney general to pursue actual damages to the extent they exist if a controller or processor continues to violate the bill. The bill would also include political organizations under the definition of a nonprofit and abolish the consumer privacy fund. The bill passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee on February 24 and the House on March 1.
  • Virginia HB 381 was delivered to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on March 11. Governor Youngkin will have until April 11 to sign or veto the bill or it becomes law. The bill would amend the Consumer Data Protection Act to specify that a controller that has obtained personal data about a consumer from a source other than the consumer would be deemed in compliance with a consumer’s request to delete such data by either retaining a record of the deletion request and the minimum data necessary for ensuring the consumer’s personal data remains deleted or by opting the consumer out of the processing of that data for targeted advertising, sale or profiling. An identical bill, SB 393, was also presented to the governor on that same day.
  • VA HB 714, sponsored by Del. Cliff Hayes, D-Chesapeake, passed the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee and the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee on March 2 and the Senate on March 2. The bill is now pending delivery to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The bill would include political organizations under the definition of a nonprofit.

PROPOSED LAWS:

Alaska HB 159 [The legislature adjourned without further action on May 18, 2022] sponsored by the House Rules Committee at the request of Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy, was heard in the House Rules Committee on March 18; the committee received an overview of various state privacy efforts from Ryan Harkins a Senior Director of Public Policy at Microsoft but did not vote on the bill during the hearing. This broad privacy bill would:

  • Require a business that collects a consumer’s personal information to notify the consumer before collecting the information and provide various disclosures.
  • Grant consumers the right to request a business provide specified information including the categories and specific pieces of personal information that the business collects.
  • Grant consumers the right to request deletion of their personal information collected by a business from the preceding five years.
  • Grant consumers the right to request the disclosure of personal information sold or disclosed to third parties.
  • Grant consumers the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
  • Prohibit third parties from disclosing information unless it was collected in compliance with the bill’s other provisions.
  • Provide for a private right of action for violations of the bill.
  • Require the annual registration of data brokers with the commissioner of commerce. 

Alaska HB 222 [The legislature adjourned without further action on May 18, 2022], sponsored by Rep. George Rauscher, R-Sutton, was pre-filed on January 7. The bill was referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee on January 18.  The bill would require a business that collects a consumer’s personal information to notify a consumer, at or before the point of collection, of the following:

  • The categories of personal information and sensitive personal information the business will collect and the purposes and whether the business will sell or share the information.
  • The length of time the business will retain each category of personal information.
  • The proviso the business cannot retain personal information for longer than is reasonably necessary for the specified purpose.

The bill would also grant consumers the right to:

  • Correct inaccurate personal information.
  • Receive a disclosure about the categories of information collected, sources of that information, specific pieces of information collected and the business or commercial purpose for collecting, sharing, or selling.
  • Direct the business not to sell or share their personal information, i.e., opt out.
  • Limit the businesses’ use of sensitive personally identifiable information.
  • Receive a disclosure with specified information about the sale of their data.

The bill contains a private right of action but only for data breaches.

California AB 1546 was heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 21, 2023 where it was referred to the suspense file. The suspense file is a holding place for bills that carry a fiscal impact of $150,000 or more and may be voted out eventually to continue the legislative process. The bill would extend the statute of limitations for action brought by the attorney general to enforce the CCPA to five years after the accrual of the cause of action.

California AB 1546 was heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on September 1, 2023 where the bill remains pending. 

California: A number of California privacy bills have been scheduled for consideration in the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee on April 2 at 1:30 PM including:

  • AB 1949, which would raise the age threshold that prohibits a business from selling or sharing the personal information of a consumer if the business has actual knowledge that the consumer is less than 16 years of age to 18 years of age.
  • AB 3048, which would prohibit a business from developing or maintaining a browser or device that does not include a setting that enables a consumer to send an opt out preference signal to their business.
  • AB 3204, which would require data digesters to annually register with the California Privacy Protection Agency. The bill would define a data digester as a business that uses personal information to train artificial intelligence.

Delaware HB 262 passed the House with amendments on May 5, 2022, and was heard in the Senate Banking, Business and Insurance Committee on June 8; the committee took testimony, including from Vermont Deputy Attorney General Christopher Curtis, but did not vote on the bill during the hearing.  The bill would require data brokers to annually register with the consumer protection unit of the Department of Justice and pay an annual fee. As part of the registration process the data broker would be required to provide the following information:

  • The name and primary physical, email and internet address of the data broker and links to all applicable privacy policies.
  • The method consumers can use to opt-out if the data broker permits consumers to do so.
  • A statement specifying the data collection, databases, or sales activities from which the data broker does not allow a consumer to opt-out.
  • A description of the data broker’s processes for verifying the purchasers of its brokered personal information. A separate statement would also be required if the broker deals the personal information of minors.
  • The number of data security breaches that the data broker has experienced within the past three years.
  • Answers to specified questions including whether the data broker limits the use of personal information by a purchaser or licensee.

The bill does not contain a private right of action.

District of Columbia B24-451, sponsored by City Council Chair Phil Mendelson is a verbatim rendition of a model law very recently proposed by the Uniform Law Commission. The bill will be known as the “Uniform Personal Data Protection Act of 2021” and is slated to be referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on November 2.  The bill would: 

  • It would grant consumers the right to copy or correct their personal data. 
  • Permit “compatible” data practices without consent if the processing of the data is consistent with the expectations of the data subject or is likely to benefit the data subject. 
  • Prohibit data practices that may cause a substantial risk of harm to data subjects including processing likely to cause harassment, financial harm or that fails to provide reasonable data security. 
  • The bill would permit incompatible data practices which include practices neither prohibited or compatible with a consumer’s consent. Tailored messaging including advertising would be considered a compatible use. 
  • Does not contain a private right of action

Florida HB 9, sponsored by Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, passed the House Commerce Committee with a substitute on February 10, 2022. Known as the Florida Privacy Act, the legislation is dead for a second consecutive year after the Senate did not act on the bill amid House and Senate budget negotiations, Florida Politics reports. The bill is expected to be reintroduced next year. The bill would require a controller that collects personal information about a consumer to maintain an online privacy policy that is updated at least every 12 months and contains:

  • A list of categories of personal information the business collects.
  • The consumer’s right to request deletion or correction of personal information.
  • The consumer’s right to opt-out of the sale or sharing to third parties.

A controller that collects personal information would be required to:

  • Inform consumers of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the information will be used.
  • To adopt and implement a retention schedule that prohibits the use or retention of the information after the initial purpose has been fulfilled or three years after the consumer’s last interaction with the controller.

The bill would also grant a consumer various rights including:

  • The right to request a copy of personal data collected, sold or shared.
  • The right to have personal data deleted or corrected.
  • The right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal data. Once a consumer has opted-out, controllers would be required to wait at least 12 months before requesting a consumer to authorize the sale or sharing of their data.

Florida HB 1547, sponsored by Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, was filed on March 7, 2023 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill would define a controller to mean a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, association or legal entity that meets the following requirements:

  • Is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of its shareholders or owners.
  • Does business in this state.
  • Collects personal information about consumers or is the entity on behalf of which such information is collected.
  • Determines the purposes and means of processing personal information about consumers alone or jointly with others.
  • Makes in excess of $1 billion in gross revenues, as adjusted in January of every odd-numbered year to reflect any increase in the Consumer Price Index.
  • Satisfies one of the following:
    • Derives 50 percent or more of its global annual revenues from providing targeted advertising or the sale of ads online.
    • Operates a consumer smart speaker and voice command component service with an integrated virtual assistant connected to a cloud computing service that uses hands-free verbal activation. For purposes of this sub-sub-subparagraph, a consumer smart speaker and voice command component service does not include a motor vehicle or speaker or device associated with or connected to a vehicle.

The bill would, in part:

  • Prohibit a controller from collecting a consumer’s precise geolocation data or personal information through a voice recognition feature, without their authorization.
  • Require a controller that operates a search engine to provide a consumer with information of how the controller’s search engine algorithm prioritizes or deprioritizes political partisanship or political ideology in its search results.
  • Require a controller that collects personal information about consumer’s to maintain an up to date privacy policy that meets specified requirements.
  • Require controllers or direct processors to inform consumers, at or before the point of collection, the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the information will be used.
  • Grant consumers the right to:
    • Request a copy of their personal information that is collected, sold or shared including the third parties to which the personal information was sold or shared.
    • Have personal information deleted or corrected.
    • Opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal data. Controllers would be required to post a link on their homepage entitled “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” that enables a consumer to opt-out.
  • Require contracts between controllers and processors to contain specified language including prohibiting the processor from selling, sharing, retaining, using or disclosing the personal information for purpose that violates the bill’s provisions.
  • Prohibit social media companies that are predominately accessed by children from collecting, selling or sharing the personal information of any known child.

Controllers would be defined as any sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation or association that meets specified requirements including making in excess of $1 billion in global revenue. The bill does not contain a private right of action. A similar bill, SB 262, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on March 13 at 3:30 PM. Similarly, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis recently unveiled a proposed digital bill of rights. A press release about the proposal can be found here with specific details of the proposal being found here.

Florida HB 1547, passed the House Regulatory Reform and Economic Development Subcommittee with a substitute on March 29.  While the text of the substitute was not immediately available two associated amendments have been released. The first makes technical changes and the second adds a section relating to the safety of children in online spaces. The bill is now pending in the House Commerce Committee.

Florida HB 1547, passed the House Commerce Committee on April 24, 2023 and is now pending on the House second reading calendar.

A similar bill, SB 262, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, passed the Senate Rules Committee with a substitute on April 24, 2023. The bill is now pending on the Senate Special Order Calendar for April 28, 2023. A full analysis of the substitute’s numerous changes can be found here.

Georgia SB 394, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, was introduced on January 26, 2022, and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill, to be known as the Georgia Computer Data Privacy Act, would entitle consumers to various privacy rights including:

  • The right to request the categories and specific items of personal information that a business has collected on them.
  • The right to request deletion of their personal information. Businesses would be required to direct service providers to delete the consumer’s information.
  • The right to request the categories of information that a business has sold or disclosed for a business purpose, as well as the categories of third parties to whom the information was sold or disclosed.
  • The right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and could authorize someone else to opt-out on their behalf.

Businesses would be required to provide notice to consumers on their internet homepage that:

  • The personal information could be sold.
  • Identifies the persons to whom the data would or could be sold.
  • The pro rata value of the consumer’s personal information.
  • The consumer has the right to opt-out of the sale of their data.

Businesses would also be required to provide a link on their homepage that allows a consumer to opt-out of the sale of their data. Beginning September 1, businesses would not be allowed to sell personal data to a third party without a consumer’s consent. Third parties would not be able to further sell the data unless a consumer has received notice and opts-in to the sale of their data. Businesses would not be allowed to collect personal data without first providing notice and obtaining the consumer’s consent. The bill would grant consumers a private right of action in addition to enforcement by the attorney general.

Georgia SB 473, sponsored by Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, was referred to the Senate Science and Technology Committee on February 9, 2024 where it is scheduled for a hearing on February 15 at 2:00 PM. The bill does not apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to a person that conducts business in the state by producing products or services targeted to consumers of the state that exceeds $25 million in revenue and that:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.
  • Control or process the personal data of at least 175,000 consumers.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 60 day right to cure.

Georgia SB 473, passed the Senate as amended by the Senate Science and Technology Committee following a 37 to 15 February 27, 2024. The amendment replaces many explicit exemptions for entities regulated under federal law with a blanket statement stating that nothing in the bill would construed to conflict with management of health records under title 31 or mandated by any other provision of federal law. The latest version also removes the exemption for nonprofits.

Hawaii SB 21, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Karl Rhoads, D-Honolulu, was referred to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on January 20, 2022. The bill would propose an amendment to the state constitution establishing the right of each person to own and have an exclusive property right in the data they generate on the internet.

Hawaii SB 974, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Whip Chris Lee, D-Honolulu, was filed on January 23, 2022 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill would grant consumers the following rights:

  • The right to confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data.
  • The right to correct inaccuracies in the consumer’s personal data that the consumer previously provided to the controller.
  • The right to delete personal data provided by or obtained about the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of their personal data in a format that is portable, to the extent technically feasible, is readily usable and allows the consumer to transmit the data to a controller without hinderance.
  • The right to opt-out of processing for the purposes of target advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer.

Controllers would be required to respond to verified consumer requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 45 days. Controllers would also be prohibited from processing the sensitive data of a consumer without their affirmative consent. Sensitive data is defined to include but is not limited to biometric data, personal data collected from a known child and precise geolocation data. The bill would require controllers to provide consumers with a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice. The bill would apply to businesses that conduct business in the state or produces products or services that are targeted to residents of the state and process the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers or processes the personal data of 25,000 or more consumers and derives more than 25 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data. The bill does not apply to nonprofit organizations and does not contain a private right of action. Prior to initiating any action the Department of the Attorney General would be required to provide 30 days’ notice and provide a right to cure. A similar bill, SB 1110, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Whip Gilbert Keith-Agaran, D-Maui, was filed on January 23 and has not yet been referred to a committee. Notable differences found in SB 1110 include but are not limited to:

  • Modifying the right obtain a copy of their personal data by specifying that the format would be required to allow the consumer to transmit the data to another controller only where the processing is carried out by automated means.
  • Specifying that the bill would apply to businesses that conduct business in the state or produces products or services that are targeted to residents of the state and process the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers or processes the personal data of 25,000 or more consumers and derives more than 50 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data.
  • The inclusion of a private right of action and the absence of any right to cure provisions.

Hawaii SB 974, passed the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee with amendments on February 15, 2023. The text of amendments was not immediately available; however, during the hearing the committee noted they would be adopting the recommended amendments put forward by the attorney general. 

Hawaii SB 974, passed the Senate following a 23-1 vote on March 7. Recent amendments exempt the national insurance crime bureau from the bill’s provisions and specify that if a controller sells personal data to third parties or processes personal data for targeted advertising, the controller would be required to disclose the processing to the affected consumer. 

Hawaii HB 1497, sponsored by House Speaker Scott Saki, D-Honolulu, was referred to the House Higher Education and Technology Committee on January 30 and passed that committee with amendments on February 1. While the text of the amendment was not immediately available the committee noted during the hearing that changes will include:

  • The removal of provisions that give consumers the right to access their personal data.
  • The addition of a 30 day right to cure.
  • The removal of the private of action.

The bill would grant consumers the following rights:

  • The right to confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data.
  • The right to correct inaccuracies in the consumer’s personal data that the consumer previously provided to the controller.
  • The right to delete personal data provided by or obtained about the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of their personal data in a format that is portable, to the extent technically feasible, is readily usable and allows the consumer to transmit the data to another controller, where the processing is carried out by automated means.
  • The right to opt-out of processing for the purposes of target advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer.

Controllers would be required to respond to verified consumer requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 45 days. Controllers would also be prohibited from processing the sensitive data of a consumer without their affirmative consent. Sensitive data is defined to include but is not limited to biometric data, personal data collected from a known child and precise geolocation data. The bill would require controllers to provide consumers with a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice. The bill would apply to businesses that conduct business in the state or produces products or services that are targeted to residents of the state and process the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers or processes the personal data of 25,000 or more consumers and derives more than 50 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data. The bill does not apply to nonprofit organizations. A companion bill, SB 1110, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Whip Gilbert Keith-Agaran, D-Maui, was referred to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on January 27.

Hawaii SB 3018, sponsored by Sen. Chris Lee, D-Kailua, was filed on January 24, 2024 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill does not apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 100,000 consumers.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derive more than 25 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of decisions made by the controller that result in the provision or denial of specified services including housing, insurance and education. The law does not contain a private right of action but does contain 30-day right to cure language. Other privacy bills that were recently filed include HB 1668, sponsored by Rep. Adrian Tam, D-Waikiki, which was referred to the House Higher Education and Technology Committee on January 24 and SB 2581, sponsored by Sen. Stanley Chang, D-Honolulu, which was referred to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on January 24. These bills would establish data broker registries.

Illinois HB 4447, sponsored by Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, was referred to the House Rules Committee on January 16, 2024. The bill would establish a data broker registry.

Illinois HB 4447 was heard House Consumer Protection Committee on March 12, 2024; the committee heard from TechNet but did not vote on the bill during the hearing.

Illinois HB 5581, sponsored by Rep. Hoan Huymh, D-Chicago, was referred to the House Rules Committee on February 9, 2024 where it awaits further assignment. The bill does not apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and during a one year period:

  • Control or process the personal data of at least 35,000 consumers excluding data processed solely for the purposes of a payment transaction.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 10,000 consumers and derive more than 25 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. A consumer would be permitted to opt out using global privacy controls. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 60 day right to cure that would expire December 31, 2025. A similar bill, SB 3517, sponsored by Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, was referred to the Senate Assignments Committee.

Iowa HSB 12, sponsored by the House Economic Growth and Technology Committee, passed a subcommittee on January 23. The bill remains pending in the House Economic Growth and Technology Committee. The bill would grant consumers the following rights:

  • The right to confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data.
  • The right to delete personal data provided by the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data that the consumer previously provided to the controller with an exception for specified personal information that is subject to security breach protection.
  • The right to opt-out of processing for the purposes of target advertising or the sale of personal data.

Controllers would be required to respond to verified consumer requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 45 days. Controllers would also be prohibited from processing the sensitive data of a consumer without providing a consumer with clear notice and the opportunity to opt-out. Sensitive data is defined to include but is not limited to biometric data, personal data collected from a known child and precise geolocation data. The bill would require controllers to provide consumers with a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice. The bill would apply to businesses that conduct business in the state or produces products or services that are targeted to residents of the state and process the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers or processes the personal data of 25,000 or more consumers and derives more than 50 percent of their revenue from the sale of personal data. The bill exempts nonprofits. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 30-day right to cure before the attorney general could initiate any action. A companion bill, SSB 1071, was referred to the Senate Technology Committee on January 23.

Kentucky SB 15, sponsored by Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, was referred to the Senate Committee on Committees on January 3. The bill would require controllers to comply with authenticated consumer requests to exercise the right to:

  • Confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data and to access that data.
  • Delete personal data provided by the consumer.
  • Obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data in a portable and, to the extent possible, readily usable format.
  • Opt out of targeted advertising.
  • Opt out of tracking.
  • Opt out of the sale or sharing of their personal data.

Controllers would be required to establish, implement and maintain reasonable data security practices and could not process sensitive data concerning a consumer for a nonexempt purpose without giving them the opportunity to opt-out. Upon a request of the attorney general’s office a controller would be required to provide the agency with the specific third parties, if any, with whom the controller shares or sells personal data including the location where they retain the data, the length of time they retain the data and the third party’s use or uses of the data. The bill contains 30 day right to cure language and a limited private right of action which would only apply if a controller or processor fails to cure the violation within the 30 day timeframe. The bill would apply to entities that control or process personal data of at least 25,000 consumers or derive over 40 percent of gross revenue from the sale of data. The bill would not apply to nonprofit organizations. A similar bill from last session, SB 15, also sponsored by Senator Westerfield did not advance last session.  Notable changes from last year’s bill include:

  • Raising the threshold entities need to meet to 25,000 consumers up from 10,000.
  • Adding requirements for state agencies, who remain exempt, to maintain an accessible privacy notice and establish, implement and maintain reasonable data security standards. State agencies would be prohibited from sharing data with third parties unless the data is aggregated and deidentified.
  • Adding exemptions for organizations that do not provide net earnings or benefit to any officer, employee or shareholder and only collects, processes, uses or shares data solely in relation to assisting:
    • Law enforcement agencies with suspected insurance related criminal or fraudulent acts.
    • First responders in connection with catastrophic events.
  • Adding exemptions for national securities associations and legal entities and their affiliates conducting research.
  • Expanding the information exempted from the bill to include data processed by utilities and data processed or maintained in the course of an individual applying to, employed by or acting as the agent of a controller processor or third party.
  • Adding language that permits consumers to opt-out via user-enabled global privacy controls such as a browser plug-in or privacy setting. Consumers could also designated another person to act on their behalf.
  • Extending the deadline for controllers to respond to 45 days rather than 30.
  • Adding requirements that controllers provide a quarterly report to the legislative research commission and attorney general with specified information the categories of personal data processed, the amount of personal data in each category and the number of identifiable consumers whose data was processed.
  • Requiring the data protection impact assessment to be conducted within 30 days of becoming a controller. Assessments would be required to be immediately updated upon any material change in the nature or volume of data controlled, processed, sold traded or shared.

Kentucky SB 15, passed the Senate with an amendment following a 32-2 vote on March 15. The substitute would in part limit civil remedies to appropriate injunctive relief. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in this state or produce products or services that are targeted to residents of this state and that during a calendar year control or process personal data of at least 25,000 consumers or derive over 40 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data. It would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete personal data they previously provided, obtain a copy of that data and prohibit the sale or sharing of their data. Controllers would be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice and to conduct a data protection impact assessment involving specified processing activities. The bill contains a private right of action but would grant businesses a 30 day right to cure.

Kentucky SB 15, was referred to the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee on January 3, 2024. The bill would not apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or produce products or services that are targeted to residents of the state, and that during a calendar year meet one or more of the following thresholds:

    • Control or process the personal data of not less than 50,000 consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction.
    • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derives more than 50 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

Kentucky HB 15 passed the House following a 92-0 vote on February 20, 2024 with an amendment relating to utilities and specified health data relating to federal methamphetamine laws.

Kentucky HB 15 passed the Senate with a floor amendment on March 11, 2024. The bill would not apply to nonprofits.

Maine LD 1973, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Keim, R-Oxford, has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Judiciary Committee on October 17 at 10:00 AM. The bill does not apply to nonprofits. This omnibus privacy bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to residents of the state and that during the preceding calendar year:

  • Controlled or processed the personal data of not less than 100,000 consumers.
  • Controlled or processed the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derived more than 25 percent of gross revenue from the sale personal data.

It would grant consumers the following rights:

  • The right to confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data and to access that personal data unless it would require the controller to reveal a trade secret.
  • The right to correct inaccuracies in their personal data.
  • The right to delete personal data provided by or obtained about the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of that data in a readily usable format.

The bill would prohibit a controller from processing the personal data of a consumer for the purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant decisions concerning the consumer unless the consumer has opted in. The bill would also require a controller, no later than July 1, 2025, to delete a consumer’s personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of personal data if the consumer has not opted in. The platform, technology or mechanism for opting in could not unfairly disadvantage another controller or make use of a default setting. Consumers would be able to designate another person to act as their authorized agent. Controllers would be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice, limit the collection to what is reasonably necessary and conduct a data protection impact assessment involving specified processing activities. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 30-day right to cure.

Another data privacy bill, LD 1977, sponsored by Rep. Margret O’Neil, D-Saco, is also up for consideration during the same hearing. This bill contains numerous definitions that determine the applicability of the bills various provisions including defining a “covered entity” as a person, other than an individual acting in a non-commercial context, that alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of collecting, processing or transferring covered data. “Covered entity” would also include a person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the covered entity. “Covered entity” would not include an entity that is acting as a service provider. The bill also contains many novel definitions that include covered high impact social media, covered algorithm, covered language, large data holder and small business. The bill would not apply to government agencies or certain person’s that meet the following criteria for the preceding three calendar years:

  • The person’s average annual gross revenues during the period did not exceed $20 million.
  • The person, on average, did not annually collect or process the covered data of more than 75,000 individuals during the period beyond the purpose of initiating, billing for, finalizing or otherwise collecting payment for a requested service or product, as long as all covered data for that purpose was deleted or de-identified within 90 days, except when necessary to investigate fraud or as consistent with a covered entity’s return policy.
  • No component of the person’s revenue comes from transferring covered data during a year or part of a year if the person is an entity that has been in existence for less than one year.

The bill would prohibit a covered entity from collecting or transferring covered data unless the collection, processing or transfer is limited to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate to provide or maintain a specific product or service requested by the individual to whom the data pertains. The bill would specify numerous allowed purposes for the collection, processing or transferring of covered data including but not limited to the completion of a transaction, fulfillment of an order and providing first party advertising. The bill would require covered entities to obtain a consumer’s affirmative consent before engaging in or directing the transfer of covered data or engaging in targeted advertising  and would also be required to provide consumers with the opportunity to opt out. The bill would also grant various individual rights involving covered data including:

  • The right to access their covered data, except back up or archival data, that is collected, processed or transferred by a covered entity or service provider within the preceding 24 months in a format that an individual can understand and download from the internet. If applicable a covered entity would also be required to provide access to the categories of third parties to which the covered entity has transferred for consideration the consumer’s covered data with the option to obtain the names of third parties or service providers and description of the purpose for which the covered entity transferred the data.
  • The right to correct a verifiable substantial inaccuracy, inaccuracy or substantially incomplete information.
  • The right to delete covered data of the individual that is processed by the covered entity and make reasonable efforts to notify all third parties or service providers to which the covered entity transferred the covered data of the individual’s deletion request.
  • The right to export to the individual or directly to another entity the covered data of an individual.

If a covered entity makes material changes to its privacy policy it would be required to notify each affected individual prior to the change and provide them with the opportunity to withdraw their consent. The bill also imposes requirements on large data holders to annually disclose specified metrics including but not limited the number of verified requests received to access, delete, opt out of covered data transfers, opt out of targeted advertising and the median number of days it took to substantively respond to requests. Large data holders must also provide a short-form version privacy policy of no more than 500 words and keep copies of any prior versions of their privacy policy for the past 10 years publicly accessible on their website. The bill also contains provisions that establish a data broker registry. The bill would provide for enforcement by the attorney general, district attorney or municipal counsel. The bill also contains a private right of action with damages of $5,000 per person per violation annual adjusted for inflation or actual damages whichever is greater among other specified damages and relief.

Maine LD 1973 was heard in the Joint Judiciary Committee on October 17, 2023 and remains pending in that committee. The committee received testimony from the attorney general’s office, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), the State Privacy and Security Coalition, and numerous Maine state associations.

Maine LD 1973 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Judiciary Committee on November 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM.

Maine LD 1973 and LD 1977 were heard in the Joint Judiciary Committee on November 8, 2023. The committee heard testimony from both bill sponsors Sen. Lisa Keim, R-Oxford, and Sen. Margret O’Neil, D-Saco, respectively, along with the Bureau of Financial Institutions, Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, Bureau of Insurance, L.L. Bean, and Consumer Reports but did not vote on the bill. The committee also received a comparison chart prepared by committee staff comparing both bills with the Connecticut law. The committee is scheduled to meet again on November 29 at 10:00 AM and December 11 at 10:00 AM with consumer privacy expected to be on the agenda for both hearings.

LD 1973 does not apply to nonprofits, however, sponsor Senator Keim noted during the hearing that she wanted to remove this exemption.

Maine LD 1973 and LD 1977 have been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Judiciary Committee on December 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM. LD 1973 does not apply to nonprofits, however, sponsor Sen. Lisa Keim, R-Oxford, noted during a previous hearing that she wanted to remove this exemption.

Maine LD 1973 and LD 1977 have been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Judiciary Committee on January 11, 2024 at 1:02 PM. LD 1973 does not apply to nonprofits, however, sponsor Senator Lisa Keim, R-Oxford, noted during a previous hearing that she wanted to remove this exemption.

Maine LD 1973 and LD 1977 were heard in the Joint Judiciary Committee on January 11, 2024. The committee heard from LL Bean, Consumer Reports and continued work through redline amendments submitted by both bill sponsors. A comparison of the redline amendments can be found here. The committee is scheduled to consider both bills again on January 18 at 1:00 PM.

Maine LD 1973 and LD 1977 were heard in the Joint Judiciary Committee on January 18. The committee continued to work through redline changes but also heard testimony from the State Privacy and Security Coalition but did not vote on the bill during the hearing. A comparison of the redline amendments can be found here.

Maine LD 1973 and LD 1977 were heard in the Joint Judiciary Committee on February 14, 2024. The committee discussed entity level exemptions and thresholds among other provisions.

Maine LD 1973 and LD 1977 were heard in the Joint Judiciary Committee on March 14, 2024; information from the hearing was not immediately available. LD 1973 does not apply to nonprofits, however, sponsor Sen. Lisa Keim, R-Oxford, once again reiterated during this hearing that she would like to see this exemption removed.

Maryland SB 698, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Malcom Augustine, D-Cheverly, was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on February 6 and has been scheduled for a hearing in that committee on March 8 at 1:00 PM. While the bill text was not immediately available the bill summary states, “Establishing generally the manner in which a controller or a processor may process a consumer’s personal data; authorizing a consumer to exercise certain rights in regards to the consumer’s personal data; requiring a controller of personal data to establish a method for a consumer to exercise certain rights in regards to the consumer’s personal data; regulating the use of biometric data by a controller; etc.” A companion bill, HB 807, sponsored by Del. Sara Love, D-Bethesda, was referred to the House Economic Matters Committee on February 8 and also does not currently have any associated bill text.

Maryland HB 807, sponsored by Del. Sara Love, D-Bethesda, has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Economic Matters Committee on February 22 at 1:00 PM. The bill would grant consumer’s the following rights:

  • The right to confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data.
  • The right to access their data if a controller is processing a consumer’s personal data.
  • The right to correct inaccuracies in the consumer’s personal data that the consumer previously provided to the controller.
  • The right to delete personal data provided by or obtained about the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of their personal data in a format that is portable, to the extent technically feasible, is readily usable and allows the consumer to transmit the data to another controller, where the processing is carried out by automated means.
  • The right to opt-out of processing for the purposes of target advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer.

Controllers would be required to respond to verified consumer requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 45 days. Controllers would also be prohibited from processing the sensitive data of a consumer without their affirmative consent. Sensitive data is defined to include but is not limited to biometric data, personal data collected from a known child and precise geolocation data. The bill would apply to businesses that conduct business in the state or produces products or services that are targeted to residents of the state and process the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers or processes the personal data of 25,000 or more consumers and derives more than 25 percent of their revenue from the sale of personal data. The bill does apply to nonprofit organizations but does contain a private right of action. A companion bill, SB 698, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Malcom Augustine, D-Cheverly, was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on February 6 and has been scheduled for a hearing in that committee on March 8 at 1:00 PM.

Maryland HB 567, sponsored by Del. Sara Love, D-Potomac, was referred to the House Economic Matters Committee on January 24, 2024. Nonprofits are not exempt from the bill. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of at least 35,000 consumers, excluding data processed solely for the purposes of completing a payment transaction.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 10,000 consumers and derive more than 20 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of solely automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. A consumer would be permitted to opt out using global privacy controls. The bill contains a private right of action with no right to cure language. A companion bill, SB 541, sponsored Sen. Dawn Gile, D-Severna Park, has been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on February14 at 1:00 PM.

Maryland HB 567, was heard in the House Economic Matters Committee on February 13, 2024. The committee heard testimony from the State Privacy and Security Coalition and the Computer and Communications Industry Association, among others, but did not vote on the bill during the hearing. A companion bill, SB 541, sponsored Sen. Dawn Gile, D-Severna Park, was heard in the Senate Finance Committee. The committee took testimony from the bill sponsor, Electronic Privacy Information Center, the State Privacy and Security Coalition, TechNet and NetChoice, among others, but did not vote on the bill during the hearing.

Maryland HB 567 passed the House Economic Matters Committee with amendments on March 14, 2024. Nonprofits are not exempt from the bill. The amendments would, in part, add limited exemption language for HIPPA, specify that required data protection assessments would apply to processing activities that occur on or after October 1, 2025 and make changes to provisions around loyalty programs, including specifying that the sale of personal data would not be considered functionally necessary to provide a loyalty program, among other changes.

A companion bill, SB 541, passed the Senate Finance Committee with amendments on March 11. The amendments would, in part, add limited exemption language for HIPPA, specify that required data protection assessments would apply to processing activities that occur on or after October 1, 2025 and add exemptions for nonprofit entities that assist with investigating insurance fraud or first responders in responding to disaster events.

Massachusetts HB 83, which contains similar provisions to Maine LD 1977, has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Committee on October 19, 2023 at 1:00 PM. This bill contains numerous definitions that determine the applicability of the bill’s various provisions including defining a “covered entity” as a person, other than an individual acting in a non-commercial context, that alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of collecting, processing or transferring covered data. “Covered entity” would also include a person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the covered entity. “Covered entity” would not include an entity that is acting as a service provider. The bill also contains many novel definitions that include covered high impact social media, covered algorithm, covered language, large data holder and small business. The bill would not apply to government agencies or certain persons that meet the following criteria for the preceding three calendar years:

  • The person’s average annual gross revenues during the period did not exceed $20 million.
  • The person, on average, did not annually collect or process the covered data of more than 75,000 individuals during the period beyond the purpose of initiating, billing for, finalizing or otherwise collecting payment for a requested service or product, as long as all covered data for that purpose was deleted or de-identified within 90 days, except when necessary to investigate fraud or as consistent with a covered entity’s return policy.
  • No component of the person’s revenue comes from transferring covered data during a year or part of a year if the person is an entity that has been in existence for less than one year.

The bill would prohibit a covered entity from collecting or transferring covered data unless the collection, processing or transfer is limited to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate to provide or maintain a specific product or service requested by the individual to whom the data pertains. The bill would also grant various individual rights involving covered data including:

  • The right to access their covered data, except back up or archival data, that is collected, processed or transferred by a covered entity or service provider within the preceding 24 months in a format that an individual can understand and download from the internet. If applicable a covered entity would also be required to provide access to the categories of third parties to which the covered entity has transferred for consideration the consumer’s covered data with the option to obtain the names of third parties or service providers and description of the purpose for which the covered entity transferred the data.
  • The right to correct a verifiable substantial inaccuracy, inaccuracy or substantially incomplete information.
  • The right to delete covered data of the individual that is processed by the covered entity and make reasonable efforts to notify all third parties or service providers to which the covered entity transferred the covered data of the individual’s deletion request.
  • The right to export to the individual or directly to another entity the covered data of an individual.
  • The right to opt out of covered data transfers and targeted advertising.

If a covered entity makes material changes to its privacy policy it would be required to notify each affected individual prior to the change and provide them with the opportunity to withdraw their consent. The bill also imposes requirements on large data holders to annually disclose specified metrics including but not limited the number of verified requests received to access, delete, opt out of covered data transfers, opt out of targeted advertising and the median number of days it took to substantively respond to requests. Large data holders must also provide a short-form version privacy policy of no more than 500 words and keep copies of any prior versions of their privacy policy for the past 10 years publicly accessible on their website. The bill also contains provisions that establish a data broker registry. The bill would provide for enforcement by the attorney general but also contains a private right of action permitting the court to award damages of $15,000 per person per violation annually adjusted for inflation or liquidated damages of not less than 0.15 percent of annual global revenue, whichever is greater among other specified damages and relief. A companion bill, SB 25, is also up for consideration during the hearing.

Another similar privacy bill, HB 60, has been scheduled for consideration during the same hearing. This bill does not apply to nonprofits but would grant consumers various rights including the right to opt out of the processing of their data for the purposes of the sale of their data, targeted cross contextual advertising and targeted first party advertising. The bill contains a limited private right of action for data breaches and contains 30 day right to cure language. A companion bill, SB 227, has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee on October 19 at 10:00 AM.

Massachusetts HB 83, which contains similar provisions to LD 1977, was heard in the Joint Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Committee on October 19, 2023 and is awaiting further action. The committee took testimony from Consumer Reports, Accountable Tech and the State Privacy and Security Coalition, among others, but did not vote on the bill during the hearing. A companion bill, SB 25, was also heard and remains pending in that committee.

Another similar privacy bill, HB 60, was considered during the same hearing. This bill does not apply to nonprofits, but would grant consumers various rights, including the right to opt out of the processing of their data for the purposes of the sale of their data, targeted cross contextual advertising and targeted first party advertising. The bill contains a limited private right of action for data breaches and contains a 30 day right to cure. A companion bill, SB 227, was heard in the Joint Economic Development Committee on that same day and is awaiting further action.

Massachusetts HB 1555 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Judiciary Committee on November 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM. The bill would apply to nonprofits. This broad privacy bill, which would establish an internet bill of rights, would require that personal data be:

  • Processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to the data subject.
  • Collected only for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes.
  • Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to purposes for which it is processed.
  • Accurate and where necessary kept up to date.
  • Kept in a form that permit identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary.
  • Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security.

Processing of personal data would only be legal if at least one of the following applies:

  • The data subject has given consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes.
  • Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract.
  • Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation.
  • Processing is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person.
  • Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
  • Processing is necessary for the purposes of legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party except when such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject.

Data subjects would also be entitled to correct inaccurate personal information, obtain a copy of the personal data being processed or the erasure of their personal data without undue delay. The bill would provide that anyone who has suffered material or non-material damage under the bill has the right to receive compensation from the controller or processor.

Massachusetts SB 227 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Advanced Information Technology, Cybersecurity and the Internet Committee on February 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM. This bill does not apply to nonprofits, but would grant consumers various rights, including the right to opt out of the processing of their data for the purposes of the sale of their data, targeted cross contextual advertising and targeted first party advertising. The bill contains a limited private right of action for data breaches and contains a 30 day right to cure. A companion bill, HB 60, remains pending in that committee.

Michigan SB 655, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Bayer, D-West Bloomfield, was referred to the Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee on November 9, 2023. The Michigan legislature has adjourned for the year but the bill will carry over. The bill would apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 100,000 consumers.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derives any revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising and the sale of personal data. The bill contains a private right of action but also contains 30-day right to cure provisions. 

Minnesota SF 950, sponsored by Sen. Eric Lucero, R-St. Michael, was referred to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on January 30. The bill would prohibit a business from collecting, using or disclosing a consumer’s personal information without the consumer’s consent. In order to receive a consumer’s consent a business would be required, at or before the point of collection, to notify the consumer of:

  • The categories of personal information the business collects about the consumer.
  • The categories of sources from which the business collects the personal information about the consumer.
  • The purpose of collecting each category of personal information.
  • The categories of persons to which the personal information could be disclosed and the purpose for the disclosure, for each category of personal information.

A business would not be permitted to collect additional categories of personal information or disclose additional personal information without providing notice and obtaining the consumer’s consent. The bill would define business to mean “an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, or any other legal or commercial entity that is organized or operated for the profit or financial benefit of the business’s shareholders or other owners.” The bill would define personal information to mean “information that identifies, relates to, describes, is capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular consumer.” The bill contains a private right of action. It does not currently have a companion.

Minnesota HF 1367, sponsored by Rep. Mohamud Noor, DFL-Minneapolis, was referred to the House Commerce, Finance and Policy Committee on February 6. The bill would require a business that collects personal information about a consumer to notify a consumer at or before the point of collection of the following:

  • The categories of personal information the business collects about the consumer.
  • The categories of sources from which the business collects the personal information.
  • The business or commercial purpose for collecting each category of personal information.
  • The service providers that each category will be shared with and the business purpose for the disclosure.
  • The consumer’s right to access personal information.
  • The consumer’s right to deletion of personal information.

A business that sells personal information to a third party would be required to notify the consumer regarding the categories of information that could be sold, the categories of third parties to which the information could be sold and that they have the right to opt-out of the sale. The third party would be prohibited from selling the information unless the consumer has received explicit notice and is afforded the opportunity to opt-out. Businesses must provide at least two designated requests addresses including a conspicuous link on the website homepage titled “Do Not Sell My Personal Information.” The bill contains a private right of action. Last session, an identical bill, SF 36, also sponsored by Representative Noor, failed to advance.

Minnesota HF 2309, sponsored by Rep. Steve Elkins, DFL-Bloomington, was considered during a special meeting of the Legislative Commission on Data Practices. The committee heard testimony from the National Conference of State Legislatures, Consumer Reports, The State Privacy and Security Coalition and the Future of Privacy Forum. The bill remains pending in the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee. The legislature is scheduled to begin its legislation session on February 12, 2024. The bill contains a delayed effective date that would apply to nonprofits beginning July 31, 2028. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 100,000 consumers.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derive more than 25 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data concerning the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similar significant effects. If a consumer’s data is profiled in furtherance of these effects a consumer would have the right to question the result of the profiling and be informed of the reason why the profiling resulted in the decision and the actions the consumer could have taken to receive a different decision. The bill contains a time limited 30-day right to cure until January 31, 2026. A companion bill, SF 2915, remains pending in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.

Minnesota HF 2309 passed the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee with an amendment on February 26, 2024. The amendment makes numerous changes including adding language regarding dark patterns, adding an exemption and requirements for small businesses and changing the effective date to July 1, 2025, among other changes. The bill contains a delayed effective date that would apply to nonprofits beginning July 31, 2029.

Minnesota HF 2309 passed the House Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee with an amendment on March 5, 2024. The amendment makes changes to the definition of geolocation information.

Minnesota SF 2915 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on March 18, 2024 at 12:30 PM. The bill contains a delayed effective date that would apply to nonprofits beginning July 31, 2029. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 100,000 consumers.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derive more than 25 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data concerning the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similar significant effects. If a consumer’s data is profiled in furtherance of these effects a consumer would have the right to question the result of the profiling and be informed of the reason why the profiling resulted in the decision and the actions the consumer could have taken to receive a different decision. The bill contains an exemption and requirements for small businesses. The bill also contains a time limited 30-day right to cure until January 31, 2026. A companion bill, HF 2309, passed the House Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee with an amendment on March 5. The amendment makes changes to the definition of geolocation information.

Missouri SB 731 was prefiled on December 1, 2023. The legislature is scheduled to convene its 2024 session on January 3. The bill would not apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents, have annual revenue of $25 million or more and satisfies one of the following conditions:

  • Control or process the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers.
  • Control or process the personal data of 25,000 or more consumers and derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.  

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising. The law does not contain a private right of action but does contain 30-day right to cure language. 

Nebraska LB 1294, sponsored by Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, was referred to the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee on January 17, 2024. Senator Bostar is a member of the committee. The bill has been scheduled for a hearing in that committee on January 30 at 1:30 PM.  Nonprofits are exempt from the bill. The bill, to be known as the Data Privacy Act, would apply to a person that:

  • Conducts business in this state or produces a product or service consumed by residents of this state.
  • Processes or engages in the sale of personal data
  • Is not a small business as determined under the federal Small Business Act, as such act existed on January 1, 2024.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal data, the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising, data sale or profiling in furtherance of a decision that produces legal or similarly significant effects. The law does not contain a private right of action but does contain 30-day right to cure language.

New Hampshire HB 314, sponsored by Rep. Keith Erf, R-Weare, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on January 9. The bill has been scheduled for a hearing in that committee on January 19 at 10:00 AM. A prior bill, HB 597, also sponsored by Representative Erf, passed the House las session.

New Jersey AB 4811, sponsored by Asm. Bill Moen, D-Camden, was referred to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on October 20, 2022. The bill would require the Division of Consumer Affairs to establish and maintain a data broker registry. Data brokers would be required to pay a registration fee of $100 per year and provide the following following information:

  • The name and primary physical, email and internet addresses of the data broker.
  • Whether the data broker permits a consumer to opt-out of the data brokers’ collection practices including the method to request an opt-out.
  • A statement specifying the data collection, databases, or sales activities from which a consumer may not opt out.
  • Whether the data broker uses a credentialing process for purchasers of the data.
  • Any information the data broker has about the security breaches it has experienced.
  • A separate statement detailing the data collection practices, database sales activities, and opt out methods that are applicable to minors as well as whether the data broker has any knowledge that it possess the brokered personal information of minors.
  • Any information the division deems appropriate to implement.

Brokered personal information would include but not be limited to: name, address, date of birth, unique biometric data and social security number. Data brokers would not inlcude e-commerce platforms, 411 directory asssistance services, providing publicly available information related to a consumer’s business or profession, and providing publicly available information via real time alert services for health and safety purposes.

New Jersey SB 2349, sponsored by Sen. John McKeon, D-West Orange, which would, in part, set up a data broker registry and was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee on January 29, 2024 and companion bill, AB 2184, which is pending in the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee.

New Jersey AB 4045 passed the Assembly State and Local Government Committee with amendments on March 11, 2024 and is now pending in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. This bill would make broad changes to the state’s public records law, including in part prohibiting public records requests made by or for data brokers and would prohibit data obtained through records requests from being sold. The bill also contains a data broker registry requirement. A companion bill, SB 2930, passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on March 11. According to The New York Times, the bill is moving on an “unusually fast track” and could be on the desk of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy in less than two weeks.

New York SB 365, sponsored by Senate Consumer Protection Committee Chair Kevin Thomas, D-Levittown, was referred to that committee on January 4, 2023. This bill, to be known as the New York Privacy Act, would require a controller to facilitate certain consumer rights including:

  • The right to confirm if a consumer’s personal data is being processed and providing access to the data.
  • The right to correct inaccurate consumer personal data.
  • The right to delete the consumer’s personal data if certain conditions are met.
  • The right to opt-out the processing of the personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similar significant effects concerning the consumer.
  • The right a copy of the consumer’s personal data in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format.

When a consumer objects, the consumer would be required to communicate the consumer’s objection to any third parties. The bill would define personal data to include any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person but would not include de-identified data. The bill contains a private right of action and does not exempt nonprofits.

New York SB 365, passed that committee on April 25, 2023. An identical bill from last year, SB 6701 also sponsored by Senator Thomas, did not advance last session.

New York SB 365, passed the Senate Internet and Technology Committee with amendments on May 22, 2023 and is now pending in the Senate Finance Committee. The amendments in part exempt nonprofits and remove the private right of action.

New York SB 365, was amended and re-referred to Senate Finance Committee on June 4, 2023. The amendment in part removes language relating to automated decision making.

New York SB 365, passed the Senate on June 8, 2023 and was referred to the Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee. The legislature adjourned for the year on June 10, however, the bill will carryover. The bill does not apply to nonprofits.

The bill also contains provisions that require data brokers to annually register with the attorney general. The bill does not contain a private right of actions. A similar bill, AB 7423, which will also carryover, covers nonprofits and was amended and re-referred to the Assembly Codes Committee on June 5, 2023.

New York SB 365, passed that committee on February 6, 2024 and is now pending in the Senate Internet and Technology Committee. During the brief hearing Senator Thomas was asked specifically about nonprofits not being exempted and he pointed to the consumer and revenue threshold provisions noting those alone would exempt many nonprofits. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

    • Have annual gross revenues of more than $25 million.
    • Control or process the personal data of 50,000 or more consumers.
    • Derives over than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.
    • Have annual gross revenues of more than $25 million.

When a consumer objects, the consumer would be required to communicate the consumer’s objection to any third parties. The bill also contains provisions that require data brokers to annually register with the attorney general. The bill does not have a companion.

New York AB 417, sponsored by Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee Chair  Nily Rozic, D-Queens, was referred to that committee on January 9. The bill, to be known as the “Right to Know Act,” would require a business that retains a customer’s personal information to make that information available to the customer free of charge upon request. If a business discloses the information to third parties it would be required to provide the names and contact information of the third parties that received the information and the categories of personal information that were disclosed. Personal information include but is not limited to identity information such as name, alias nicknames and usernames as well as physical addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers and birthdate or age. 

New York SB 2277, sponsored by Sen. Brian Kavanagh, D-New York City, was referred to the Senate Internet and Technology Committee on  January 19. The bill, to known as the “Digital Fairness Act” would specify that covered entities are required to make both a long form and short form privacy policy, which could be no more than 500 words long, persistently and conspicuously available. A covered entity would be required to ensure that individuals interact with the short form privacy policy upon their first visit to the covered entity’s website or mobile application. A covered entity would be required to obtain freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous opt-in consent before processing an individual’s personal information or making changes in the processing of their personal information. The option to withhold consent would be required to be as prominently displayed as the option to consent and the covered entity must provide a mechanism for an individual to withdraw consent. Interaction with the entities terms of service or privacy policy would not constitute opt-in consent. Covered entities would be prohibited from discriminating against individuals who do not opt-in but would be able to process information to operate a loyalty program provided the information is only processed for the operation of the program and opt-in consent is obtained.

A covered entity would be required to respond to verified requests from individuals no later than 90 days after they are received. A covered entity would be prohibited from disclosing captured personal data to third parties unless the third party is contractually bound to meet the same privacy and security obligations as the covered entity. A covered entity would be prohibited from processing information it has obtained from third parties unless it has obtained and individual’s opt-in consent. Individual’s aged 13 and older would be able to exercise rights granted under the bill’s provisions. The bill would provide a private right of action with liquidated damages of $10,000 per violation or actual damages, whichever is greater. The bill would also allow the attorney general, city attorney or district attorney to initiate an action with court penalties that could include injunctive relief or fines of $25,000 or four percent of annual revenue, whichever is greater. The bill does not currently have a companion. A prior bill, AB 6042, sponsored by Asm. Catalina Cruz, D-Queens, died in the Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee last session.

New York SB 3163, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Brad Hoylman, D-New York City, was referred to the Senate Consumer Protection Committee on January 30.

The bill, to be known as the “Right to Know Act,” would require a business that retains a customer’s personal information to make that information available to the customer free of charge upon request. If a business discloses the information to third parties it would be required to provide the names and contact information of the third parties that received the information and the categories of personal information that were disclosed. Personal information would include but is not limited to identity information such as name, alias nicknames and usernames as well as physical addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers and birthdate or age. A companion bill, AB 417, sponsored by Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee Chair Nily Rozic, D-Queens, was referred to that committee on January 9.

New York AB 3593, sponsored by Asm. Linda Rosenthal, D-New York City, which was referred to the Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee on February 3. The bill does not currently have a companion.

New York AB 6319, sponsored by Asm. Michaelle Solages, D-Valley Stream, which was referred to the Assembly Science and Technology Committee on April 3, 2023. This privacy bill is identical to the federal American Data Privacy Protection Act which was introduced in congress last session. The bill does not currently have a companion.

New York SB 8305 was amended a re-referred to the Senate Finance Committee on March 11, 2024. This budget bill now contains privacy provisions found in SB 365. Nonprofits are not exempt from the bill. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Have annual gross revenues of more than $25 million.
  • Control or process the personal data of 50,000 or more consumers.
  • Derives more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.
  • Have annual gross revenues of more than $25 million.

This bill, to be known as the New York Privacy Act, would require a controller to facilitate certain consumer rights including:

  • The right to confirm if a consumer’s personal data is being processed and provide access to the data.
  • The right to correct inaccurate consumer personal data.
  • The right to delete the consumer’s personal data if certain conditions are met.
  • The right to opt-out of the processing of the personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similar significant effects concerning the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format.

When a consumer objects, the consumer would be required to communicate the consumer’s objection to any third parties. The bill would define personal data to include any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person but would not include de-identified data. The bill also contains provisions that require data brokers to annually register with the attorney general. The bill also contains provisions relating to the protection of child data and cybersecurity as well.

North Carolina SB 525, sponsored by Sen. Bobby Hanig, R-Powell’s Point, which was referred to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee on April 4, 2023.

Ohio HB 376, sponsored by Rep. Rick Carfagna, R-Genoa Township, passed the House Government Oversight Committee with a substitute on February 9, 2022. The bill has support of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.

The bill (the Ohio Personal Privacy Act) would grant consumers:

  • the right to obtain a copy of their personal data
  • the right to deletion of any personal data collected for a business purpose
  • the right to have any inaccurate personal information corrected
  • the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information.

The bill would apply to businesses that satisfy one or more of the following three criteria: Annual gross revenues exceeding $25 million; Processes or controls the data of 100,000 or more consumers; Derives over half of its revenue from the sale of personal data and processes or controls data on 25,000 or more consumers.

Significantly, the bill contains a private right of action.

Ohio HB 345, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Township, was introduced on November 29, 2023 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill does apply to nonprofits. This privacy bill would apply to businesses that conduct business in this state, or produce products or services targeted to consumers in this state and meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Has annual gross revenues in excess of $25 million.
  • Controls or processes the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers during the calendar year.
  • Derives over 50 percent of its gross revenue from the sale of personal data and controls or processes the data of 25,000 or more consumers.

It would grant consumers various rights including, but not limited to, the right to delete personal data, obtain a copy of that data, and request that a business not sell their data or process it for the purposes of targeted advertising. Controllers would be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy policy. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 30 day right to cure. The bill would also specify that a business has an affirmative defense against violations if that business creates, maintains and complies with a written privacy program that reasonably conforms to the national institute of standards and technology privacy framework entitled “A Tool for Improving Privacy through Enterprise Risk Management Version 1.0” and provides individuals with the rights specified in the bill.

Oklahoma HB 1030, sponsored by Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, was prefiled on January 4. The legislature is scheduled to convene its 2023 session on February 6. The bill is identical to the engrossed version of HB 2969, sponsored by former Rep. Colin Walke, D-Oklahoma City, which passed the House last session but did not advance further. This broad privacy bill would in part require businesses that meet the specified threshold to:

  • Notify consumers on its website that they have the right to opt-in to the sale of their personal data and provide a method to do so.
  • Obtain a consumer’s consent before collecting their personal data.
  • Upon consumer request, disclose personal data as well as the data that is shared and the categories of parties with whom the information was shared.
  • Delete data, including data that was shared with third parties, upon consumer request.
  • Respond to requests within 45 days with extensions.

The bill would prohibit a business from:

  • Sharing personal data to third parties unless it is necessary to provide a requested good or service or for security purposes.
  • Denying services or altering prices based on a consumer’s rights granted in the measure.

The bill does not apply to nonprofits and does not contain a private right of action.

Oklahoma HB 1030 passed the House with amendments following a 84 to 11 vote on March 8, 2023 and is now pending in the Senate. The amendment changes the effective date of the bill to one year after enactment. This opt-in privacy bill would apply to a business that does business in this state, collects consumers’ personal information or has that information collected on the business’ behalf, alone or in conjunction with others, determines the purpose for and means of processing consumers’ personal information, and satisfies one or more of the following thresholds:

    • Annual gross revenue in an amount that exceeds $15 million.
    • Alone or in combination with others, annually buys, sells or receives or shares for commercial purposes the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households or devices.
    • Derives 25 percent or more of the business’ annual revenue from selling consumers’ personal information.

It would also apply to an entity that controls or is controlled by a business as described above and that shares the same or substantially similar brand name and/or common database for consumers’ personal information. The bill would require businesses to notify consumers on its website that they have the right to opt-in to the sale of their personal data and provide a method to do so. Businesses would also be required to obtain a consumer’s consent before collecting their personal data. The bill does not contain a private right of action.

Pennsylvania HB 2202 was heard in the House Consumer Affairs Committee on May 25; the committee took testimony from Microsoft and SPSC, among others, but did not vote on the bill during the hearing. This broad privacy bill would grant consumers various rights including the right to:

  • Know whether a business is processing personal information about the consumer.
  • Know whether their personal information is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of personal information.
  • Decline or opt out of the processing of personal information for specified purposes including targeted advertising.
  • Access, correct, and delete their information.

The bill does not include a private right of action. 

The bill would specify that personal information processed by a business or service provider could only be processed only to an extent that is necessary, reasonable and proportionate for an authorized purpose. The bill would not include a private right of action. The bill would only apply to businesses that have annual gross revenues of more than $20 million, buys, receives, sells or shares the data of 100,000 or more consumers, or derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenue from selling consumers personal information.

Pennsylvania HB 2257, sponsored by Rep. Malcom Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, was referred to the House Consumer Affairs Committee on January 20. The bill, to be known as the Pennsylvania Consumer Data Protection Act, is modeled after the Virginia law and would grant consumers various rights including:

  • The right to confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data and the right to access that data.
  • The right to correct inaccurate personal data.
  • The right to delete their personal data.
  • The right to obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data in a portable and, to the extent possible, readily usable format.
  • The right to opt-out of the processing of their personal data for the purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer.

The bill contains right to cure language providing controllers or processors 30 days to rectify any violations under the bill. The bill does not contain a private right of action and does not apply to nonprofit organizations.

Pennsylvania HB 708, sponsored by Rep. Malcom Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, was referred to the House Commerce Committee on March 27. The bill would apply to a person conducting business in the state or producing products or services that are targeted to consumers who are residents of the state and that during a calendar year does either of the following:

  • Controls or processes personal data of at least 100,000 consumers.
  • Controls or processes personal data of at least 25,000 consumers and derives over 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumer various rights including, but not limited to, the right to delete data they provided and opt-out of the sale of their personal data. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 30-day right to cure before the attorney general could initiate any action. Controllers would also be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice.

Pennsylvania HB 1201, sponsored by Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Consumer Affairs Committee on September 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM. The bill does not apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to businesses that meet one or more of the following thresholds:

  • Has annual gross revenues in excess of $10 million.
  • Alone or in combination, annually buys or receives, sells or shares for commercial purposes, alone or in combination, the personal information of at least 50,000 consumers, households or devices.
  • Derives at least 50 percent of annual revenues from selling consumers’ personal information.

It would grant consumers various rights including, but not limited to, the right to delete personal data whether or not the data was previously provided, obtain a copy of that data and opt out of the sale of their data. Controllers would be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice and to conduct a data protection impact assessment involving specified processing activities. The bill does not contain a private right of action. A bill last session, HB 1126, also sponsored by Representative Nelson did not advance.

Pennsylvania HB 1201 passed the House Commerce Committee with amendments on November 15, 2023. The amendments, in part, alter the definition of personal data to include any information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an identified or identifiable individual

Pennsylvania HB 1947, sponsored by Rep. Rob Mercuri, R-Pine Township, was referred to the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on January 9, 2024. The bill is a refile of HB 2202 from last session. Nonprofits are not exempted from this bill. The bill would only apply to businesses that have annual gross revenues of more than $50 million, buys, receives, sells or shares the data of 100,000 or more consumers, or derives 50 percent or more of its annual revenue from selling consumers personal information. The bill would grant consumers various rights including the right to:

  • Know whether a business is processing personal information about the consumer.
  • Know whether their personal information is processed for the purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of personal information.
  • Decline or opt out of the processing of personal information for specified purposes including targeted advertising.
  • Access, correct and delete their information.

The bill would specify that personal information processed by a business or service provider could only be processed only to an extent that is necessary, reasonable and proportionate for an authorized purpose. The bill would not include a private right of action.

Rhode Island HB 5354, sponsored by Rep. Evan Shanley, D-Warwick, which was referred to the House Innovation, Internet and Technology Committee on February 3.

Rhode Island HB 5354 was heard House Innovation Internet and Technology Committee on March 2, 2023 where the committee held the bill for further study. The bill, to be known as the Rhode Island Data Transparency and Privacy Protection Act, would require online service providers and commercial websites that collect, store and sell personally identifiable information to disclose what categories of personally identifiable information they collect and to what third parties they sell the information.

Tennessee SB 73, sponsored by Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixon, was prefiled on January 4. The legislature is scheduled to convene on January 10, 2023. Senator Watson serves as the Chair of both the Finance, Ways and Means and Rules committees. The bill, to be known as the “Tennessee Information Protection Act,” would require controllers to comply with authenticated consumer requests to exercise the right to:

  • Confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data and to access that data.
  • Delete personal data provided by the consumer.
  • Obtain a copy of the consumer’s personal data in a portable and, to the extent possible, readily usable format.
  • Opt out of the sale of their personal data.

Controllers would be required to respond to authenticated requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 45 days to comply. Controllers would also be required, in part, to:

  • Limit the collection of personal information to what is adequate, relevant and reasonably necessary in relation to the purposes for which the data is processed as disclosed to the consumer.
  • Not process personal information for purposes that is beyond what is reasonably necessary.
  • Establish, implement and maintain reasonably data security practices.
  • Not process sensitive data without obtaining the consumer’s consent.
  • Conduct and document a data protection assessment of various processing activities including but not limited to processing information for the purposes of targeted advertising or the sale of personal information.

The bill would also require a controller or processor to create, maintain and comply with a written privacy program that reasonably conforms to the National Institute of Standards and Technology framework. The bill contains 60 day right to cure language but does not contain a private right of action. The bill would apply to entities that control or process personal data of at least 100,000 consumers or at least 25,000 consumers and derive over 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of data. The bill does not apply to nonprofits.

Tennessee SB 73 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on March 14, 2023 at 1:30 PM. The bill would apply to a person conducting business in the state or producing products or services that are targeted to consumers who are residents of the state and that during a calendar year does either of the following:

    • Controls or processes personal data of at least 100,000 consumers.
    • Controls or processes personal data of at least 25,000 consumers and derives over 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data they provided and opt-out of the sale of their personal data.  The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 60-day right to cure before the attorney general could initiate any action. Controllers would also be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice.

Tennessee SB 73 has been placed on the Senate floor calendar for April 13, 2023 after previously being deferred on March 30, 2023 and April 6, 2023. A companion bill, HB 1181, passed the House Commerce Committee on April 4, 2023 and is now pending on the House calendar for April 10, 2023.

Tennessee  HB 1181, unanimously passed the House on April 10, 2023 and is now pending committee referral in the Senate. The bill would apply to a person conducting business in the state or producing products or services that are targeted to consumers who are residents of the state and that during a calendar year does either of the following:

  • Controls or processes personal data of at least 100,000 consumers.
  • Controls or processes personal data of at least 25,000 consumers and derives over 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data they provided and opt-out of the sale of their personal data.  The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 60-day right to cure before the attorney general could initiate any action. Controllers would also be required to provide a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice. A companion bill, SB 73 has been placed on the Senate floor calendar for April 13 after previously being deferred on March 30, 2023 and April 6, 2023.

Tennessee  HB 1181 was delivered to Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who will have until May 18, 2023 to sign or veto the bill or it becomes law.

Tennessee SB 1658, sponsored by Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville, was referred to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on January 10, 2024. The bill would amend the Tennessee Information Protection Act to require controllers to annually register with the attorney general’s consumer protection division. No later than July 1, 2025, the division would be required to have an accessible deletion mechanism in a conspicuous location. Controllers would be required to access the deletion mechanism at least once every 45 days and delete all required personal information related to a consumer who made the request and direct their affiliates to do the same. The bill does not currently have a companion.

Texas HB 1844, sponsored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-South Lake, was filed on February 3 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill, to be known as the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, would grant consumers the right to:

  • Confirm whether or not a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data.
  • Correct inaccuracies in the consumer’s personal data that the consumer previously provided to the controller.
  • Delete personal data provided by or obtained about the consumer.
  • Obtain a copy of their personal data if the data is available in a digital format.
  • Opt-out of processing for the purposes of target advertising, the sale of personal data or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer.

Controllers would be required to respond to verified consumer requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 45 days. The bill would require controllers to provide consumers with a reasonably accessible, clear and meaningful privacy notice. The bill would apply to businesses that:

  • Conduct business in the state or produce a product or service consumed by residents of the state.
  • Process or engage in the sale of personal data.
  • Are not a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration.

It does not apply to nonprofit organizations. The bill contains 30 day right to cure language and does not contain a private right of action.

Vermont HB 121, sponsored by House Commerce and Economic Development Committee Chair Michael Marcotte, R-Newport, was referred to that committee on January 26. The bill has been scheduled for a hearing in that committee on February 9 at 9:00 AM and will feature testimony from  Democratic Attorney General Charity Clark, who drafted the bill, and Assistant Attorney General Ryan Kriger  The bill would, in part, require a data collector’s collection, use, retention and sharing of personal information to be reasonably necessary and proportionate to achieve the purposes for which the personal information was collected or for another disclosed purpose that is compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected. A data collector that obtains personal information from a source other than the consumer would be prohibited from using that information for a purpose inconsistent with the purpose for which it was initially collected or for a purpose inconsistent with any notice or consent involved in the initial data collection. Data collectors would be prohibited from retaining information if they are unable to determine the initial purpose, notice or consent.

The bill would also specify that consumers have rights specified by rule of the attorney general with regard to their personal information. On or after July 1, a data collector that processes for the purposes of targeted advertising, predictive analytics, tracking, or the sale of personal information, or is otherwise a data broker would be required to allow consumers to opt out of the processing of their data for those purposes through a user-selected universal opt-opt out mechanism that meets the technical specifications established by the attorney general. Data brokers would be required to report data security breaches to the attorney general within 14 days and to consumers within 45 days. The bill would grant consumers the right to request a data broker to:

  • Stop collecting the consumers data.
  • Delete all data in its possession about the consumer.
  • Stop selling the consumer’s data.

Data brokers would be required to establish a simple procedure for consumers to submit requests and would be required to comply within 10 days of a request being submitted. A consumer would also be able to submit an opt out request by filing it the secretary of state who would be required to develop a form to facilitate consumer’s general opt out. The secretary of state would also be required to maintain a data broker opt out list of consumers who have requested a general opt out along with the specific type of opt out. Data brokers would be required to review this list once every 31 days to ensure compliance. Data brokers would be required to maintain reasonable procedures designed to ensure that the brokered personal information it discloses is used for a legitimate and legal purpose. These procedures would require prospective users of the information to certify the purposes for which the information is sought, and that the information will not be used for any other purpose. Data brokers would be required to make a reasonable effort to identify a new prospective user prior to furnishing the information. The bill also contains numerous provisions relating to biometric information including language that would prohibit a person who has collected or stored a consumer’s biometric identifier from using, selling, leasing or otherwise disclosing the biometric identifier to another person for a specific purpose unless consent has been obtained.

Vermont HB 121, was heard in that committee on February 9. The committee heard from Democratic Attorney General Charity Clark and Andrew Kingman of the State Privacy and Security Coalition among others but did not take any action during the hearing.

Vermont HB 121, was heard in that committee on March 29. The committee heard from Maureen Mahoney with the California Privacy Protection Agency who gave the committee an overview of the California Privacy Rights Act and how that compares to HB 121, as well as briefly touching on the California Age Appropriate Design Code. Chair Marcotte said the committee will take a closer look at “dark patterns” as well as language around minors. The committee is scheduled to consider the bill at additional hearings on April 4 and April 6 at 9:00 AM. During the April 4 hearing the committee is scheduled to receive a walkthrough of a recently released draft of the bill along with additional testimony from the Vermont Banker’s Association, the Association of Vermont Credit Unions and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont among others. While the bill did not meet crossover deadline this year Marcotte is hoping to move the bill out of the House this year to position the bill for action next year. The proposed language would amend the bill with provisions similar to other privacy legislation currently pending around the country.

Vermont HB 121, sponsored by House Commerce and Economic Development Committee Chair Michael Marcotte, R-Newport, was heard in that committee on February 1, 2024 and has been scheduled for further consideration on February 2, 10 minutes following the conclusion of the floor session. During the hearing, the committee received an overview of a new draft from legislative counsel as well as testimony from students from Harvard Law School but did not vote on the bill during the hearing. The scheduled testimony for February 2 includes Democratic Attorney General Charity Clark, Christopher Curtis from the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program and Connecticut Sen. James Maroney, D-Milford.

Vermont HB 121, was heard in that committee on February 7 and February 8, 2024 where the committee took testimony from various parties including the Computer and Communications Industry Association, Consumer Reports, Association of National Advertisers, Consumer Data Industry Association, United Way of Northwest Vermont and the Electronic Privacy Information Center, among others. During the hearing the committee discussed removing the exemption for nonprofits in the proposed draft at the recommendation of Democratic Attorney General Charity Clark but also provided concerns about the size of the organizations that may be affected. The committee is scheduled to consider the bill again on February 9, 10 minutes after the conclusion of that day’s floor session.

Under proposed amendments, the bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

    • Control or process the personal data of at least 6,500 consumers, excluding data processed solely for the purposes of completing a payment transaction.
    • Control or process the personal data of not less than 3,250 consumers and derive more than 20 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of solely automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. A consumer would be permitted to opt out using global privacy controls. The bill contains a private right of action with time a limited 60 day right to cure that would expire on December 31, 2025 and then would thereafter be at the discretion of the attorney general.

Vermont HB 121, was heard in that committee on February 27, 2024. The committee received a walkthrough of a new proposed draft of the legislation from counsel. The committee is scheduled to consider the bill again on February 29 at 1:00 PM where they are scheduled to hear from the Consumer Data Industry Association and the Electronic Privacy Information Center, and again on March 1 at 2:15 PM where they are scheduled to hear from the State Privacy and Security Coalition. Version 7.1 would remove the exemption for nonprofits.

Under proposed amendments, the bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

    • Control or process the personal data of at least 6,500 consumers, excluding data processed solely for the purposes of completing a payment transaction.
    • Control or process the personal data of not less than 3,250 consumers and derive more than 20 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The proposal would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of solely automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. A consumer would be permitted to opt out using global privacy controls. It would also require the secretary of state to maintain a universal data broker opt-out list that data brokers would be required to check once every 31 days. It would also prohibit the transfer of data to third parties as part of a loyalty program unless it is necessary to provide a benefit to the consumer or the terms of the transfer are clearly disclosed and the consumer consents to the transfer. The proposed amendment would also specify various duties of controllers to minors including prohibiting the processing of data for targeted advertising, the sale of personal data or processing in furtherance of solely automated decisions. The bill contains a private right of action with a 60 day right to cure prior to the initiation of any action.

Vermont HB 121, was heard in that committee on February 29, 2024 and again on March 1. The committee heard from the Consumer Data Industry Association and the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the State Privacy and Security Coalition and the American Heart Association but did not vote on the bill.

As originally introduced, the bill would, in part, require a data collector’s collection, use, retention and sharing of personal information to be reasonably necessary and proportionate to achieve the purposes for which the personal information was collected or for another disclosed purpose that is compatible with the context in which the personal information was collected. A data collector that obtains personal information from a source other than the consumer would be prohibited from using that information for a purpose inconsistent with the purpose for which it was initially collected or for a purpose inconsistent with any notice or consent involved in the initial data collection. Data collectors would be prohibited from retaining information if they are unable to determine the initial purpose, notice or consent.

Other omnibus privacy bills that have also been recently introduced include:

    • Missouri SB 1501, sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, which was filed on February 29 and has not yet been referred to a committee.
    • Rhode Island HB 7787, sponsored by House Deputy Minority Leader Arthur Handy, D-Cranston, which was referred to the House Innovation, Internet and Technology Committee on February 29. Representative Handy is the vice chair of the committee. Another bill, SB 2500, sponsored by Sen. Louis DiPalma, D-Middletown, was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee on March 1.

Vermont HB 121, sponsored by House Commerce and Economic Development Committee Chair Michael Marcotte, R-Newport, was heard in that committee on March 12, 13 and 14. The committee heard testimony from various groups including the Vermont Bankers Association, Vermont Technology Alliance, Vermont Medical Society, and Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, among others. The committee is scheduled to vote on the bill on March 15 either 10 minutes after the conclusion of the floor session or at 1:00 PM. The committee is now considering Version 8.1 which makes numerous changes including to the definition of targeted advertising and adds to the duties of controllers.

Vermont SB 269, sponsored by Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Committee Vice Chair Allison Clarkson, D-Woodstock, was referred to that committee on January 17, 2024. Committee Chair Sen. Kesha Ram-Hinsdale, D-Shelburne, is co-sponsoring the bill. Nonprofits are not exempt. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 100,000 consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derives more than 25 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including, but not limited to, the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal data, the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or data sale. The law does not contain a private right of action but does contain 60-day right to cure language for a one-year period beginning July 1.

Another bill HB 789, sponsored by Rep. Tristan Roberts, D-Halifax, was referred to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee on January 12. The bill would set up a study committee to study data trusts and to consider updates to Vermont’s statutory provisions governing personal information protection companies.

Virginia HB 1688, sponsored by House Communications, Technology and Innovation Committee Chair Emily Brewer, R-Smithfield, was prefiled on January 9 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The legislature began its 2023 session on January 11. The bill would amend the Consumer Data Protection Act to require operators to obtain verifiable parental consent prior to registering any child with the operator’s product or service or before collecting, using, or disclosing such child’s personal data. The bill would also prohibit a controller from knowingly processing the personal data of a child for purposes of:

  • Targeted advertising.
  • The sale of such personal data.
  • Profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning a consumer.

The bill would also amend the definition of child under the act to include any natural person younger than 18 years of age. A companion bill, SB 1026, sponsored by Sen. David Suetterlein, R-Roanoke, was prefiled and referred to the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee on January 7.

Virginia HB 1688, passed committee with a substitute on January 30. The amendment removes references to and the definition of operator form the bill. The bill would amend the Consumer Data Protection Act to require operators to obtain verifiable parental consent prior to registering any child with the controller or processor’s product or service or before collecting, using or disclosing such child’s personal data.

Virginia SB 1026, sponsored by Sen. David Suetterlein, R-Roanoke, was heard in the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee on January 18; the committee took testimony but did not vote on the bill. The bill would amend the Consumer Data Protection Act to require operators to obtain verifiable parental consent prior to registering any child with the operator’s product or service or before collecting, using, or disclosing such child’s personal data. The bill would also prohibit a controller from knowingly processing the personal data of a child for purposes of:

  • Targeted advertising.
  • The sale of such personal data.
  • Profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning a consumer.

The bill would also amend the definition of child under the act to include any natural person younger than 18 years of age. A companion bill, HB 1688, sponsored by House Communications, Technology and Innovation Committee Chair Emily Brewer, R-Smithfield, is pending in that committee.

Washington HB 1616, sponsored by Rep. Shelley Kloba, D-Kirkland, was referred to the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee on January 26, 2023. The bill, to be known as the people’s privacy act, would afford a consumer various rights including:

  • The right to know what personal information a covered entity processes, including the categories and specific pieces of personal information the covered entity possesses.
  • The right to access and obtain their personal information that is processed by a covered entity, in a machine-readable format.
  • The right to refuse consent for any processing of their personal information that is not essential to the primary transaction.
  • The right to correct inaccurate personal information.
  • The right to require a covered entity or data processor to delete their information.
  • The right not to be subject to surreptitious surveillance.

Covered entities would be required to make both a long form and short form privacy policy, which could be no more than 500 words long, persistently and conspicuously available. A covered entity would be required to ensure that individuals interact with the short form privacy policy upon their first visit to the covered entity’s website or mobile application. A covered entity would be required to obtain freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous opt-in consent before processing an individual’s personal information or making changes in the processing of their personal information. The option to withhold consent would be required to be as prominently displayed as the option to consent and the covered entity must provide a mechanism for an individual to withdraw consent. Interaction with the entities terms of service or privacy policy would not constitute opt-in consent. Covered entities would be prohibited from discriminating against individuals who do not opt-in but would be able to process information to operate a loyalty program provided the information is only processed for the operation of the program and opt-in consent is obtained. The biggest difference between this version and last session’s HB 1433 is the addition of language that would require covered entities to conduct a data processing assessment of specified processing activities including targeted advertising.

A covered entity would be required to respond to verified requests from individuals no later than 30 days after they are received but could request additional time under certain circumstances. A covered entity would be prohibited from disclosing captured personal data to third parties unless the third party is contractually bound to meet the same privacy and security obligations as the covered entity. A covered entity would be prohibited from processing information it has obtained from third parties unless it has obtained and individual’s opt-in consent. Individual’s aged 13 and older would be able to exercise rights granted under the bill’s provisions. The bill would provide a private right of action with liquidated damages of $10,000 per violation or actual damages, whichever is greater. The bill would also allow the attorney general, city attorney or county prosecutor to initiate an action with court penalties that could include injunctive relief or fines of $25,000 or four percent of annual revenue, whichever is greater. A companion bill, SB 5643, sponsored by Senate Majority Caucus Chair Bob Hasegawa, D-Seattle, was referred to the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee on January 31.

Washington HB 2149, sponsored by House Consumer Protection and Business Committee Vice Chair, Rep. Christine Reeves, D-Federal Way, was referred to that committee on January 8 and has been scheduled for a hearing on January 19, 2024 at 8:00 AM. The bill would prohibit transacting entities who collect personal information from a consumer at the point of sale from selling or sharing that information without the consumer’s express permission. A transacting entity would be defined as any of the following:

  • A resident individual who engages regularly in commercial activity for the purpose of generating income.
  • A corporation or nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership or limited liability partnership, business trust, joint venture, or other form of business organization the constituent parts of which share an economic interest.
  • A financial institution.
  • The state or any political subdivision.
  • An individual that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a person as specified above.

Another privacy bill, HB 2277, sponsored by Rep. Shelby Kloba, D-Kirkland, was referred to the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee on January 10. This bill would establish a data broker registry.

Washington HB 2149, sponsored by House Consumer Protection and Business Committee Vice Chair Rep. Christine Reeves, D-Federal Way, has been scheduled for a hearing in that committee January 19, 2024 at 8:00 AM.

Washington HB 2149, was scheduled to be heard in that committee January 19, 2024; however, the bill was deferred and an alternative date was not immediately available.

Another privacy bill, HB 2277, sponsored by Rep. Shelby Kloba, D-Kirkland, was considered during the hearing. The bill has been scheduled for an executive session on January 25. This bill would establish a data broker registry.

West Virginia HB 5338, sponsored by House Technology and Infrastructure Committee Chair Daniel Linville, R-Milton, was heard in that committee on January 30, 2024 and remains pending. The bill is also co-sponsored by House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay. The bill would not apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of at least 100,000 consumers.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.
  • Have annual gross revenues generated in the state of more than $25 million.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. A consumer would be permitted to opt out using global privacy controls. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 30 day right to cure.

Another privacy bill, HB 5112, sponsored by House Minority Leader Pro Tem. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, was referred to the House Technology and Infrastructure Committee on January 25.

West Virginia HB 5338, passed that committee with amendments on February 2, 2024 and remains pending.

West Virginia HB 3498, sponsored by House Technology and Infrastructure Committee Chair Daniel Linville, R-Milton, was referred to that committee on February 14. The bill would grant consumer’s the following rights:

  • The right to confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer’s personal data and to access that data.
  • The right to correct inaccuracies in the consumer’s data, taking into account the nature of the personal data and the purposes of the processing of the consumer’s personal data.
  • The right to delete personal data provided by or obtained about the consumer.
  • The right to obtain a copy of their personal data in a format that is portable, to the extent technically feasible, is readily usable and allows the consumer to transmit the data to another controller, where the processing is carried out by automated means.
  • The right to opt-out of processing for the purposes of target advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer.

Controllers would be required to respond to verified consumer requests within 45 days but could request an extension of an additional 45 days. Controllers would also be prohibited from processing the sensitive data of a consumer without their affirmative consent. Sensitive data is defined to include but is not limited to biometric data, personal data collected from a known child and precise geolocation data. The bill would apply to businesses that conduct business in the state or produces products or services that are targeted to residents of the state and process the personal data of 100,000 or more consumers or processes the personal data of 25,000 or more consumers and derives more than 50 percent of their revenue from the sale of personal data. The bill would not apply to nonprofit organizations. It contains 30 day right to cure language but does not contain a private action. Another bill, HB 3453, sponsored by Del. Kayla Young, D- Kanawha, was also referred to the House Technology and Infrastructure Committee on February 14.

West Virginia HB 5698, sponsored by Del. Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, was introduced on February 26, 2024 and quickly passed the House on February 28. The bill would not apply to nonprofits. It would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:

  • Control or process the personal data of at least 100,000 consumers.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.
  • Have annual gross revenues generated in the state in that exceed $25 million.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects. The bill does not contain a private right of action but does contain a 30 day right to cure.

Wisconsin AB 466, sponsored by Asm. Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls, was referred to the Assembly Consumer Protection Committee on October 5, 2023. The bill was heard in that committee on October 11 but remains pending. The bill would not apply to nonprofits. The bill would apply to persons that conduct business in the state or persons that produce products or services that are targeted to state residents and:\

  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 100,000 consumers, excluding personal data controlled or processed solely for the purpose of completing a payment transaction.
  • Control or process the personal data of not less than 25,000 consumers and derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of personal data.

The bill would grant consumers various rights including but not limited to the right to delete data provided by or obtained about the consumer, the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data and the right to opt out of processing for the purposes of targeted advertising. The law does not contain a private right of action but does contain 30-day right to cure language.

Wisconsin AB 466 passed the Assembly on November 14, 2023. Recent amendments would permit a consumer to exercise their rights via user-enabled global privacy controls.

Wisconsin AB 466 was heard in the Senate Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection Committee on December 19, 2023. The committee heard testimony from bill sponsor Rep. Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls, the Wisconsin Grocers Association, Advanced Medical Technology Association, BSA the Software Alliance, the State Privacy and Security Coalition, and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association but did not vote on the bill during the hearing. Prior Assembly amendments would permit a consumer to exercise their rights via user-enabled global privacy controls. The bill would not apply to nonprofits. 

A companion, SB 642, was also heard during the same hearing.

Representative Zimmerman also introduced a related privacy bill, AB 824, which was referred to the Assembly State Affairs Committee on December 22. This bill would require data owners, defined as any person that generates, collects or uses data for its own purposes, to limit access to, sharing of, and use of its data to what is adequate, relevant and reasonably necessary for the purposes for which the data is collected or generated. Data custodians, defined as any person that provides data security and storage on behalf of a data owner, would be required to establish and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures related to data access control, data retention and data destruction, auditing capabilities and the performance of audits among other requirements. Data stewards, defined as any person that uses or facilitates the use of data on behalf of a data owner, would be required to establish and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures related to various data handling practices. The bill would also specify that if a data owner enters into an agreement with a custodian or steward, the agreement would be required to identify all relevant parties, data sets, permitted uses and restrictions of data, confidentiality requirements, laws governing the data, and laws governing the agreement. The agreement would also be required to include statements regarding the response to security incidents and the terms for terminating the agreement among other provisions.

Wisconsin AB 466 passed the Senate Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection Committee on February 15, 2024 and is now pending on the Senate floor. Previously adopted Assembly amendments would permit a consumer to exercise their rights via user-enabled global privacy controls.

Wisconsin, AB 824 was heard in Assembly State Affairs Committee on February 7, 2024; the committee took testimony but did not vote on the bill. This bill would require data owners, defined as any person that generates, collects or uses data for its own purposes, to limit access to, sharing of and use of its data to what is adequate, relevant and reasonably necessary for the purposes for which the data is collected or generated. Data custodians, defined as any person that provides data security and storage on behalf of a data owner, would be required to establish and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures related to data access control, data retention and data destruction, auditing capabilities and the performance of audits among other requirements. Data stewards, defined as any person that uses or facilitates the use of data on behalf of a data owner, would be required to establish and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures related to various data handling practices. The bill would also specify that if a data owner enters into an agreement with a custodian or steward, the agreement would be required to identify all relevant parties, data sets, permitted uses and restrictions of data, confidentiality requirements, laws governing the data and laws governing the agreement. The agreement would also be required to include statements regarding the response to security incidents and the terms for terminating the agreement among other provisions.

States: Donor Privacy and Confidentiality

STATES THAT HAVE PASSED BILLS INTO LAW:

NOW LAW: Georgia SB 534 was signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp on May 2, 2022 and took immediate effect. The law prohibits state agencies, absent the showing of compelling interest, to impose any annual filing or reporting requirements on charitable organizations more stringent than specified under existing law. Any additional reporting or filing requirements are required to be narrowly tailored to achieve the compelling state interest. The bill defines charitable organizations as 501(C)3 organizations.

NOW LAW: Indiana HB 1212, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Karickhoff, R-Kokomo, was signed by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb and takes effect July 1. The law will prohibit, with certain exceptions, a state or local agency from collecting or disclosing information that identifies an individual or business entity as a member, supporter, volunteer, or donor of financial or nonfinancial support to a nonprofit organization.

NOW LAW: New Hampshire SB 302/Chapter 336 was signed by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu on July 25, 2022 and takes effect January 1. The law will prohibit a public agency from:

  • Requiring an individual or entity to provide the public agency with personal information.
  • Releasing, publicizing or otherwise publicly disclosing any data that directly or indirectly identifies a person as a member, supporter, volunteer, or donor of financial or nonfinancial support.
  • Requiring any current or perspective contractor or grantee to provide the agency with a list of entities exempt from federal income taxation to which it has provided financial or nonfinancial support.

NOW LAW: New York SB 4817A (companion A 1141A) was passed by the Senate on June 9, followed by the Assembly on June 10. It was delivered to Gov. Hochul on November 1 and she signed it into law on November 12, 2022.

This legislation was necessary to undo a rider on 2020 budget legislation inserted by then Gov. Cuomo. That rider would have required all nonprofits registered with the Attorney General under the solicitation law to perform a duplicative (literally) registration with the NY Dept of State. It also would have required confidential donor information (that provided in Form 990 Schedule B) to be provided to the Department but with looser protections than afforded to the same information by the AG’s office (the AG collected Sched B from registrants until dissuaded by the U.S. Supreme Court donor privacy decision in July 2021). 

Strong objections to wasteful duplicate reporting and to the prospective disclosure of private donor information led two New York nonprofits (Nonprofit New York and Lawyer’s Alliance) to lead a grassroots effort, joined by TNPA, to support SB 4817A. That effort was successful.

NOW LAW:  Virginia SB 324/Chapter 19, sponsored Sen. Jill Vogel, R-Upperville, was signed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on August 4, 2022 and takes effect January 1, 2023. The law will prohibit a state agency from:

  • Requiring an individual or entity to provide the public agency with personal donor information.
  • Requiring any bidder, offeror, contractor or grantee of the organization to provide the agency with personal donor information.
  • Disclosing personal donor information without the express written permission of every individual who is identifiable from the potential release of such information, including identifiable as members, supporters or volunteers, or donors to the agency.

PROPOSED BILLS:

Hawaii HB 2416 was delivered to Democratic Governor David Ige on May 4 who will have until May 18 to act on the bill or it becomes law. The bill would in part require 501(c)4 organizations operating as a noncandidate committee to disclose the name and address of donors who donate an aggregate of more than $10,000. The bill would prohibit donations from being used for electioneering communications, independent expenditures or contributions without the written consent of the donor.

Louisiana SB 179, a look-a-like bill to Georgia SB 534 (see above), was delivered to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards on May 27 who will have until June 6 to sign or veto the bill or it becomes law. The bill would prohibit state agencies, absent the showing of compelling interest, impose any annual filing or reporting requirements on charitable organizations more stringent than specified under existing law. The legislature would be able to review any requirements that are more restrictive. The bill defines charitable organizations as a person who holds himself out to be benevolent, civic, recreational, educational, voluntary, health, law enforcement, social service, philanthropic, fraternal, humane, patriotic, religious, or eleemosynary organization.

Missouri HB 2120 passed the House on April 6 and passed the Senate Government Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee with a substitute on May 9. The bill would prohibit a public agency from:

  • Requiring an individual to provide the public agency with personal information.
  • Requiring any 501(c) tax exempt organization to provide the public agency with personal information.
  • Releasing, publicizing, or otherwise publicly disclosing personal information in possession of the agency.
  • Requiring any current or perspective contractor or grantee to provide the agency with a list of entities exempt from federal income taxation to which it has provided financial or nonfinancial support.

Nebraska LB 823 was heard in the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on January 27; information from the hearing was not immediately available. The bill would prohibit the state from imposing any annual filing or reporting requirement on a charitable organization that is more stringent than already required.

North Carolina SB 636 was passed by the House Judiciary Committee with a substitute on on August 19 on a vote of 59-33  and by the Senate on August 25 by 25-19. Both votes were strict party line, Republicans in favor, Democrats opposed. It was sent to Gov. Roy Cooper for signing or veto on August 27. The Governor, a Democrat, vetoed the bill on September 3, saying the legislation was unnecessary and could prejudice existing campaign contribution laws.  At this writing, it is unclear whether the legislature will seek to override the veto.  An override requires a 60% vote in each chamber.   

The bill would have exempted, except as specifically required by state and federal law, nonprofit donor information from disclosure under the public records law, including any attachments or other information submitted with IRS 990 or 990-EZ forms. The bill also defines donor information as “confidential” in numerous instances in NC law in which state officials and legislators are prohibited from using, or restricted in their use of, “confidential information.” 

Pennsylvania HB 2087, sponsored by Rep. John Hershey, R-Mifflintown, was referred to the House State Government Committee on November 16. Joined as co-sponsors were eight additional Republican Representatives, including State Government Committee Chair Grove.  The bill’s intent is to prohibit state agencies from collecting or disclosing any information which would identify an individual as a donor/supporter of a nonprofit organization, except when required by law to do so.

The prohibition would apply to: 

  • An agency’s request made to an individual. 
  • An agency’s request made to a charitable organization seeking information on individual donors. 
  • An agency’s request made to a current or prospective contractor or grantee seeking the names of charitable organizations to which they have provided financial or nonfinancial support. 

The legislation would also make it illegal for an agency to “Release, publicize or otherwise publicly disclose...” donor information in its possession.

States: Charitable Solicitation

STATES THAT HAVE PASSED BILLS INTO LAW:

NOW LAW: California AB 488 Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on October 7, 2021. The law takes effect January 1, 2023.

TNPA participated in a multi-year stakeholder process for this legislation which resulted in many necessary changes to the original draft created by the Attorney General’s office. Nevertheless, significant issues remain to be resolved through the means of rulemaking during the course of the coming year.  The Attorney General conducts the rulemaking.  The bill’s stakeholders, including TNPA, will undoubtedly participate in the process.

The bill establishes new requirements for online fundraising by third parties. However, the legislation is NOT applicable to a charity’s own website and online fundraising. Entities defined in the legislation as a “fundraising platform” or “platform charity” would be required to register with the AG and to submit annual reports. The legislation requires a number of compelled disclosures designed to give prospective donors adequate information (such as fees to be deducted from the intended gift, how long it may take for the beneficiary nonprofit to receive its gift, etc.). 

The new California categories of solicitation law oversight are unique and will surely draw the attention of charity officials in other states. It is likely other states will let the California experiment play out rather than rush to emulate.  Nonprofits currently receiving significant funds from the newly regulated platforms will also be watching.  It is not a forgone conclusion the legislation and forthcoming regulations will strike the right balance between protecting donors and allowing support dollars to flow to nonprofit missions.

NOW LAW: Illinois HB 1197/Public Acts 121 was signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 30, 2023 and takes effect January 1, 2023. The bill would provide that every charitable organization that receives contributions in excess of $750,000, rather than the $300,000 specified under existing law, would be required to file a written report with the attorney general with specified information. The bill would also require organizations that receive contributions in excess of $25,000 but less than $750,000 to file a simplified report with the attorney general.

NOW LAW: Indiana SB 302/Public Law 40, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, was signed by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb on April 20, 2023 and takes effect July 1, 2023. The law will prohibit state agencies or officials from imposing filing or reporting requirements on charitable organizations that are more stringent or burdensome than those imposed by or authorized under state or federal law.

NOW LAW:  Louisiana SB 179/Act 262 was signed by Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards on June 3, 2022 and took immediate effect. The law prohibits state agencies from imposing any annual filing or reporting requirements on charitable organizations more stringent than specified under existing law. The legislature can review any requirements that are more restrictive. The law defines charitable organizations as a person who holds himself out to be benevolent, civic, recreational, educational, voluntary, health, law enforcement, social service, philanthropic, fraternal, humane, patriotic, religious or eleemosynary organization.

NOW LAW: New Hampshire SB 375/Chapter 173 was signed by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu on June 7, 2022 and takes effect August 6. The law will prohibit the state from imposing any annual filing or reporting requirement on a charitable organization that is more stringent than already required under existing law. The law will also raise the compulsory audit threshold for annual reporting by nonprofits from $1 million to $2 million.

NOW LAW: North Carolina SB 429/Session Law 119 was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper on September 14, 2023. The law took immediate effect with certain provisions taking effect October 1. The law will increase the qualifying income threshold for exemption from charitable solicitation requirements to $50,000 from $25,000. The law will also specify that licensure applications are considered filed as of the date they are postmarked or electronically submitted.

NOW LAW: South Dakota HB 1116 passed the Senate on February 21, 2024 and was signed by Republican Gov. Kristi Noem on February 28. The law takes effect July 1. The law will make fraudulent solicitation of charitable contributions a deceptive act or practice.

NOW LAW: Tennesse SB 1935/Chapter 773 was signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee on April 8, 2022 and took immediate effect. The law removes requirements that financial statements, annual event applications, charitable solicitation applications and athlete agent registrations filed with the secretary of state be sworn under penalty of perjury.

NOW LAW: Tennessee SB 868 was signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee on April 4, 2023 and takes effect July 1, 2023. The law will extend the prohibitions, requirements and penalties that already apply to telephone solicitations to text message solicitations.

NOW LAW: Tennessee HB 1707 was signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee on March 7, 2024 and takes effect July 1. The law will amend various provisions regarding charitable solicitations in the state including, in part, adding to the definition of a charitable organization by including a person that is determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be a tax-exempt organization pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. The law will also:

  • Authorize, in addition to other actions authorized by law, the secretary of state, by order, letter, or other appropriate means, to enjoin the charitable organization, professional fundraiser, or other person from continuing an act or violation, or committing other acts in furtherance of it, during the course of an investigation.
  • Require renewal registrations to be accompanied by a copy of any and all forms required to be filed by the organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and any other information the secretary deems appropriate to substantiate how funds were raised and spent by the organization. Such other information must be provided on forms approved by the secretary. At least two authorized officers of the organization, one of whom must be the chief fiscal officer, must certify that the information provided under this law is true and correct to the best of their knowledge.
  • Prohibit a person from making any representation that such person is soliciting contributions for or on behalf of a charitable organization or from using or displaying any emblem, device or printed matter belonging to or associated with a charitable organization for the purpose of soliciting or inducing contributions from the public without first being authorized to do so by the charitable organization.

NOW LAW: Virginia HB 1748/Chapter 289 was signed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on March 23, 2023 and takes effect July 1, 2023. The law will expand the definition of solicitation to include requests made via email. It will also require any contract between a professional solicitor and charitable or civic organization to specify the percentage of gross contributions that the civic organization will receive or the terms upon which a determination can be made. The contract will also be required to specify that at least every 90 days the professional solicitor would be required to provide the charitable or civic organization with access to and use of all information in the professional solicitor’s possession concerning contributors.

PROPOSED BILLS:

Arkansas SB 484, sponsored by Sen. Clarke Tucker, D-Little Rock, was referred to the Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee on March 27, 2023. The committee heard the bill on March 30; however, information from the hearing was not immediately available. The bill would exclude bequests to a charitable organization that is received from a decedent’s estate and testamentary distribution to a charitable organization that is received from a trust from the definition of a charitable contribution.

Colorado SB 129, sponsored by Sen. Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, was referred to the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee on February 6, 2024. This donor privacy bill would prohibit a public agency from requiring any person to provide the public agency with data that identifies a member of a nonprofit entity or compelling the disclosure of member-specific data and would provide for penalties for violations.

Colorado SB 129 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee on March 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM and again on March 14 upon the adjournment of that day’s session. Other donor privacy bills that have recently seen movement include:

    • Georgia SB 414, which passed the Senate on February 29 and is now pending in the House Judiciary Committee.

Colorado SB 129 was heard in the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee on March 12, 2024 and is up for consideration again on March 14 upon the adjournment of that day’s session. Other donor privacy bills that have recently seen movement include Utah HB 484 which was delivered to Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on March 12, who has until March 21 to sign or veto the bill or it becomes law.

Colorado SB 16 passed the Senate on March 13, 2024 and is now pending in the House Finance Committee. The bill would authorize a taxpayer to make a charitable contribution to a charitable recipient organization through a qualified intermediary that forwards the contribution to the charitable recipient organization, rather than making the contribution directly to the charitable recipient organization, without losing the right to claim a state income tax credit. 

Connecticut HB 5222 passed the House on May 3; however, the legislature adjourned on May 4 so the bill will not advance further. The bill codifies recent federal caselaw relating to the Connecticut Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act that rendered various provisions relating to the regulation of paid solicitors unenforceable. Specifically, the bill would:

  • Reduce to one day, rather than the current 20 days, the notice a solicitor is required to give the Department of Consumer Protection before starting a campaign.
  • Eliminate the requirement that copies of the campaign “script” be shared with DCP ahead of the campaign.
  • Eliminate the requirement that the solicitor disclose the percentage of gross revenue the charitable organization will receive. A similar requirement to disclose the percentage on written solicitations would also be eliminated.
  • Raises the compulsory audit threshold for annual reporting by nonprofits from $500K to $1 million (an overdue and welcome update – not among the constitutionally required changes).

The bill would eliminate the requirement that solicitors share donor names and addresses with the department, though solicitors would still be required to maintain this information internally. However, the AG’s right to inspect donation records would be limited to date and amount with donor identity explicitly excluded. This change is evidently in deference to the U.S. Supreme Court donor privacy ruling in Bonta (go here for more information).

Florida HB 1071, sponsored by Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Hillsborough, was referred to the House Infrastructure Strategies Committee on January 9, 2024. The bill would, in part, revise the information that charitable organizations and sponsors must provide to the department in an initial registration statement and when claiming certain exemptions, respectively, to include the name and street address of each institution where banking or similar monetary transactions are done by the charitable organization or sponsor, as well as the account numbers associated with all transactions.

Florida HB 1071 was heard in the House Infrastructure Strategies Committee on February 22, 2024; information from the hearing was not immediately available.

Florida HB 1327, sponsored by Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Meyers, was filed on January 5, 2024 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill would prohibit the solicitation of contributions or acceptance of contributions or anything of value from a foreign source of concern. A foreign source of concern would, in part, include a partnership, an association, a corporation, an organization, or other combination of persons organized under the laws of or having its place of business in a foreign country of concern which would include the People’s Republic of China, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would be required to create an honest services registry listing charitable organizations that submit an attestation that the organization does not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, funding, support, or services from a foreign source of concern and the organization’s messaging and content is not directly or indirectly produced or influenced by a foreign source of concern. A companion bill, SB 1458, sponsored by Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, was referred to the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on January 10.

Florida HB 1327 was heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee on February 12, 2024; the committee took testimony but did not vote on the bill during the hearing.

Georgia SB 412, sponsored by Sen, John Kennedy, R-Macon, passed the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee on January 21, 2024. The bill would permit the secretary of state, at their discretion, to suspend or revoke the registration of a charitable organization, paid solicitor or solicitor agent for violations of existing law. The bill would also raise the maximum penalties for violations to $10,000 for a single violation and $100,000 for multiple violations.

Georgia SB 412, passed the Senate on February 13.

Georgia SB 433 passed the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee on February 16, 2024 with a substitute. As amended, the bill would prohibit a charitable organization that accepts a contribution pursuant to a written donor-imposed restriction from violating the terms of that restriction. If a charitable organization violates the terms of a donor-imposed restriction, the bill would grant the donor or their legal representative a private right of action.

Georgia SB 433 passed the Senate on February 27, 2024 with amendments.

Georgia SB 433 passed the House Judiciary Committee on March 13, 2024.

Hawaii SB 2983, sponsored by Sen. Angus McKelvey, D-West Maui, was filed on January 24, 2024 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill would require charitable fundraising platforms to register with the attorney general before soliciting, permitting, or otherwise enabling solicitations for purported charitable purposes for an affected area during a declared emergency. Registrations would expire after one year. Charitable fundraising platforms and platform charities would be required to file reports to the attorney general once a month during the emergency with a final report due within 30 days after the end of the emergency. Platform fundraising platforms and platform charities would be required to make various disclosures, before a person can complete a donation or select or change a recipient charitable organization,  including but not limited to the maximum length of time it takes charitable organizations to receive the funds and the fees deducted.

Hawaii SB 2983 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with an amendment on February 27, 2024. The amendment sets the effective date as January 1, 2042 which is a procedural motion to ensure the Senate has the opportunity to consider the bill again.

Hawaii SB 2983 has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee on March 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Illinois SB 72 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 7, 2023 and is now pending on the Senate floor. The bill would provide that every charitable organization that receives contributions in excess of $500,000, rather than the $300,000 specified under existing law, would be required to file a written report with the attorney general with specified information. The bill would also require organizations that receive contributions in excess of $25,000 but less than $500,000 to file a simplified report with the attorney general. A companion bill, HB 5814, sponsored by Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, was referred to the House Rules Committee on January 31.

Illinois SB 72 has been placed on the Senate third reading calendar for March 21, 2023.

Kentucky SB 70, sponsored by Sen. Philip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, was referred to the Senate Licensing and Occupation Committee on January 8, 2024. The bill would prohibit a charitable organization that accepts a contribution pursuant to a written donor-imposed restriction from violating the terms of that restriction. If a charitable organization violates the terms of a donor-imposed restriction, the bill would grant the donor or their legal representative a private right of action.

Kentucky SB 70 passed the Senate Licensing and Occupation Committee with a substitute on February 1, 2024 and the Senate on February 6. A similar bill, Georgia SB 433, was referred to the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.

Kentucky SB 70 passed the House Judiciary Committee on March 6, 2024.

Maryland HB 72, sponsored by Del. Courtney Watson, D-Ellicott City, was heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on March 22; the committee heard from the bill sponsor only and took no action on the bill. The bill would require registration statements to be on a form provided by the secretary of state along with various requirements regarding what the form should contain. However in place of a required audit or financial review the bill would permit organizations to submit supporting documents and an affidavit that attests, among other requirements, that the organization does not use professional solicitors.

Massachusetts HD 1304, sponsored by Rep. Paul McMurtry, D-Dedham, was prefiled on January 18, 2023. The bill would require telemarketers to disclose the percentage share of the contribution raised by a charitable solicitation that will be received by the charitable organization. A similar bill, Oklahoma HB 2268, sponsored by Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, was prefiled on January 19. The legislature is scheduled to convene its 2023 session on February 6.

Massachusetts SB 910 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Financial Services Committee on October 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM. The bill would raise the audit threshold for public charities from $500,000 to $750,000. If the federal government raises the revenue threshold, the Massachusetts revenue thresholds would conform to the federal thresholds in effect.

Massachusetts SB 910 was heard in the Joint Financial Services Committee on October 24, 2023; no one testified in person on this bill during the hearing.

Mississippi SB 2077, sponsored by Sen. Chris Johnson, R-Hattiesburg, was referred to the Senate Judiciary Division A Committee on January 9. The bill would raise the audit threshold for charitable organizations from $500,000 to $750,000. The bill would also clarify that this threshold is based on a cash basis measurement only.

Mississippi SB 2272 passed the Senate Business and Financial Institutions Committee on February 28, 2024. The bill would amend the registration process for charitable organizations to specify that documents accompanying the organization’s reviewed financial statement would be limited to the most recent fiscal year.

Mississippi SB 2545 passed the Senate Business and Financial Institutions Committee on February 28, 2024. The bill would define monetary donations to mean cash or cash equivalents.

Mississippi SB 2545 passed the Senate on March 7, 2024 and is now pending in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee.

Mississippi HB 1290 passed the House Business and Commerce Committee on February 29, 2024. The bill would prohibit state agencies or officials from imposing any annual filing or reporting requirements on charitable organizations that are more burdensome than the requirements specified in the law.

Mississippi HB 1290 passed the House on March 7, 2024.

Missouri HB 2400 was delivered to Republican Gov. Mike Parsons on May 18 who will have until June 26 to sign or veto the bill or it becomes law. As recently amended, the bill would prohibit state agencies or state officials from imposing any annual filing or reporting requirements on charitable organizations that are more stringent than specified under existing law.

North Carolina HB 741 passed the House Judiciary 1 Committee with a substitute on May 31, 2023. As substituted, the bill would, in part, exempt additional charitable organizations from the requirement to obtain a charitable solicitation license from the secretary of state by increasing the contribution threshold for requiring a license to $50,000. The exemption would be further expanded by allowing professional fees to be paid to an organizer or incorporator who is a licensed attorney or a licensed accountant. The bill would also:

  • Expand the minimum number of natural persons required to be on a board of directors for a nonprofit corporation from one to three with the exception of private foundations.
  • Authorize a merger between a charitable or religious corporation and either limited liability company, assuming specified conditions are met, and an unincorporated association.
  • Require domestic and foreign nonprofit corporations authorized to conduct affairs in the state to submit annual reports electronically to the secretary of state. The annual reports would be required to include specified information, including the state or country under whose law the corporation is incorporated, address of the registered office, as well as basic information about principal officers.

The bill is now pending in the House Finance Committee.

North Carolina HB 741 passed the House Finance Committee with a substitute on June 13, 2023. Existing law requiring that charitable or religious corporations give 30 days’ advance notice to the attorney general prior to disposing of all or a majority of its property would be maintained.

North Carolina HB 741 passed the House on June 27, 2023 and is now pending further referral in the Senate Rules and Operations Committee.

Pennsylvania HB 1361, sponsored by Rep. Fred Schemel, R-Greencastle, was referred to the House State Government Committee on June 9, 2023.  The bill would increase the exemption threshold necessary for registration with the Department of State to $50,000.

Pennsylvania HB 1824, sponsored by Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Pittsburgh, was referred to the House State Government Committee on November 8, 2023. The bill would raise the audit threshold for charitable organizations to match federal requirements.

Tennessee HB 805, sponsored by Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland, was referred to the House Commerce Committee on February 2 and has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Business and Utilities Subcommittee on February 14 at 12:00 PM. The bill would extend the prohibitions, requirements and penalties that already apply to telephone solicitations to text message solicitations. A companion bill, SB 868, sponsored by Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, was referred to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on February 6.

Tennessee HB 805, passed the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee where it is scheduled to be heard on March 7, 2023 and is now pending in the House floor. A companion bill, SB 868, sponsored by Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, unanimously passed the Senate on March 6, 2023.

Tennessee HB 1802, sponsored by Rep. Tom Leatherwood, R-Arlington, was filed on January 11, 2024 and has not yet been referred to a committee. The bill would raise the audit threshold from $500,000 to $750,000, The bill does not currently have a companion.

Tennessee SB 1661 passed the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on February 20, 2024 and is now pending in the Senate Calendar Committee. The bill would amend various provisions regarding charitable solicitations in the state including, in part, adding to the definition of a charitable organization by including a person that is determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be a tax-exempt organization pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. The bill would also:

  • Authorize, in addition to other actions authorized by law, the secretary of state, by order, letter, or other appropriate means, to enjoin the charitable organization, professional fundraiser, or other person from continuing an act or violation, or committing other acts in furtherance of it, during the course of an investigation.
  • Require renewal registrations to be accompanied by a copy of any and all forms required to be filed by the organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and any other information the secretary deems appropriate to substantiate how funds were raised and spent by the organization. Such other information must be provided on forms approved by the secretary. At least two authorized officers of the organization, one of whom must be the chief fiscal officer, must certify that the information provided under this bill is true and correct to the best of their knowledge.
  • Prohibit a person from making any representation that such person is soliciting contributions for or on behalf of a charitable organization or from using or displaying any emblem, device or printed matter belonging to or associated with a charitable organization for the purpose of soliciting or inducing contributions from the public without first being authorized to do so by the charitable organization.

A companion, HB 1707, passed the House on February 12.

Utah HB 119, sponsored by Rep. James Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, was prefiled on January 3. The legislature is scheduled to convene its 2023 session on January 17. The bill would exempt federal income tax-exempt charitable organizations from registration requirements under the state’s charitable solicitations act. However, the Division of Consumer Protection would be permitted to include a searchable list on its website of federal tax exempt organizations engaging in specified solicitations.

Utah HB 119 passed the House Political Subdivisions Committee with a substitute on February 1. As substituted, the bill would exempt federal income tax-exempt charitable organizations from registration requirements under the state’s charitable solicitations act. The substitute removed provisions that would have permitted Division of Consumer Protection to include a searchable list on its website of federally tax exempt organizations engaging in specified solicitations.

Utah HB 119 passed the Senate on February 13 and is now pending final enrollment and delivery to Republican Gov. Spencer Cox. The bill would exempt 501(C)6 charitable organizations from registration requirements under the state’s charitable solicitations act. The bill would also provide that an application for a public grant would not be considered a charitable solicitation.

Utah HB 43, sponsored by Rep. A. Cory Malloy, R-Lehi, was referred to the House Business and Labor Committee on January 17. The bill would, in part, require professional fundraisers, before the commencement of a campaign, to submit to the Division of Consumer Protection:

  • Projected expenses and revenue for the campaign.
  • Bank account information for the bank account where the professional fund raiser would hold contributions collected in the fundraising campaign.
  • Solicitation scripts.
  • An affirmation from the professional fundraiser that the charity approves solicitation materials.
  • The names and contact information for the individual or individuals overseeing the fundraising.

No later than 90 days after the day on which the fundraising campaign ends, the professional fundraiser would be required submit a report to the division of all contributions collected and expenses paid to the charitable organization during the fundraising campaign. The fundraiser would be required to keep records for five years. It would also require a nonprofit corporation to file with the division any of the following that apply to the nonprofit corporation:

  • A copy of the nonprofit corporation’s Internal Revenue Service determination letter qualifying the nonprofit corporation as being tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • An unredacted IRS Form 990, 990EZ, 990N or 990PF.
  • A copy of any written agreement with a professional fundraiser or professional fundraising counsel or consultant.
  • Disclosure of any injunction, judgment, administrative order or felony conviction involving fraud, dishonesty, false statements, forgery or theft with respect to an officer, director, manager, operator or principal of the organization.

Utah HB 43 passed the House Business and Labor Committee with a substitute on February 20, 2024. As substituted, the bill would, in part, remove a requirement that charitable organizations register with the Division of Consumer Protection. The bill would also prohibit deceptive acts related to charitable solicitations, including falsely indicating that the supplier is affiliated with the charitable organization.

Utah HB 43 was delivered to Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on March 11, 2024, who has until March 21 to sign or veto the bill or it becomes law.

Vermont HB 583, sponsored by House Judiciary Vice Chair, R-West Rutland, was referred to that committee on January 3, 2024. The bill, to be known as the Donor Intent Protection Act, would prohibit a charitable organization that accepts a contribution pursuant to a written donor-imposed restriction from violating the terms of that restriction. If a charitable organization violates the terms of a donor-imposed restriction, the bill would grant the donor or their legal representative a private right of action.

Virginia HB 464 unanimously passed the Senate on February 28, 2024. The bill would raise the audit threshold from $1 million to $1.5 million.

Virginia HB 464 was delivered to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on March 11, 2024, who will have until April 8 to sign or veto the bill or it becomes law. The bill would raise the audit threshold from $1 million to $1.5 million.

Wisconsin AB 912 passed the Assembly Financial Institutions Committee on January 31, 2024. The bill would raise the audit threshold from $500,000 to $1 million. A companion bill, SB 851, is pending in the Senate Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage Committee.

Wisconsin AB 912 passed the passed the Senate Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage Committee on February 27, 2024. A companion bill, SB 851, passed that committee on the same day.

States: Nonprofit Governance

Maryland HB 72, sponsored by Del. Courtney Watson, D-Ellicott City, was referred to the House Economic Matters Committee on January 11. The bill would amend the definition of charitable contribution to exclude donations of property that is intended to redistributed without charge to a benevolent, educational, eleemosynary, humane, patriotic, philanthropic or religious purpose. It would also exclude an authorization for a discount on the use of services or materials, equipment or facilities, including those relating to advertising and broadcast airtime.

Minnesota HF 523, sponsored by Rep. Duane Quam, R-Byron, was referred to the House State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committee on January 18. The bill would prohibit an employee or representative of a state agency acting in their official capacity from vetoing the election or appointment of a potential board member of a nonprofit organization.

Minnesota SF 564, sponsored by Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee Ranking Minority Member Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, was referred to that committee on January 23. The bill would prohibit nonprofit organizations with officers or employees compensated in excess of 125 percent of the governor’s salary from receiving grants under economic development or workforce development programs.

States: Salary Disclosure

Read more about this issue

STATES THAT HAVE PASSED BILLS INTO LAW:

NOW LAW: California SB 1162 /Chapter 559 was signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 27, 2022, and takes effect January 1, 2023. The law, in part, will expand state pay data reporting requirements to cover contracted employees. The law will require a private employer that has 100 or more employees to submit a pay data report to the Civil Rights Department. This law will revise the timeframe in which a private employer is required to submit this information to require that it be provided on or before the second Wednesday of May 2023, and for each year thereafter on or before the second Wednesday of May. This law will require the pay data report to include the median and mean hourly rate for each combination of race, ethnicity and sex within each job category. It will also require an employer, upon request, to provide to an employee the pay scale for the position in which the employee is currently employed. The bill would require an employer with 15 or more employees to include the pay scale for a position in any job posting. The law will require an employer to maintain records of a job title and wage rate history for each employee for a specified timeframe, to be open to inspection by the labor commissioner

NOW LAW: New York SB 1326/Chapter 94 was signed by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 3, 2023 and takes effect at the same time as SB 9427 from last session which is September 17, 2022. The bill would specify that existing laws around salary disclosure exclude remote work opportunities performed entirely out of state.

PROPOSED BILLS:

Minnesota HF 3587 has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Labor and Industry Finance and Policy Committee on March 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM. The bill would require that employers disclose, in each job posting, the starting salary range and a general description of the benefits and other compensation to be offered to a hired job applicant. The bill would also require that employers that do not plan to offer a salary range to list a fixed pay rate. Companion bill SF 3725 was introduced and referred to the Senate Labor Committee on February 15; the bill is sponsored by Sen. Alice Mann, D-Edina.

Minnesota HF 3587 was heard in the House Labor and Industry Finance and Policy Committee on March 7, 2024; the committee took testimony but laid the bill over for possible inclusion. Companion bill SF 3725 was heard in the Senate Labor Committee on March 12, where the committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.

Montana SB 146, sponsored by Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula, was referred to the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee on January 11. The bill would, in part, require employers to disclose in each job posting the hourly or salary compensation or the range of compensation and a general description of all the benefits and other compensation to be offered to the hired applicant. The bill would also require employers to make reasonable efforts to announce, post or otherwise make known all opportunities for promotion to all current employees on the same calendar day and prior to making a promotion decision. Upon request of  an employee offered an internal transfer, an employer would be required to provide the wage scale or salary range for the employee’s new position.

Montana SB 146 was heard in the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee on January 17, 2023. The committee took testimony but did not vote on the bill. The bill would, in part, require employers to disclose in each job posting the hourly or salary compensation or the range of compensation and a general description of all the benefits and other compensation to be offered to the hired applicant. The bill would also require employers to make reasonable efforts to announce, post or otherwise make known all opportunities for promotion to all current employees on the same calendar day and prior to making a promotion decision. Upon request of  an employee offered an internal transfer, an employer would be required to provide the wage scale or salary range for the employee’s new position.

Virginia SB 1136 passed the Senate following a 20 to 18 vote on February 3, 2023 and is now pending in the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee. The bill would prohibit employers from:

  • Seeking the wage or salary history of a prospective employee.
  • Relying on the wage or salary history of a prospective employee in considering them for employment.
  • Relying on the wage or salary history of a prospective employee in determining the wages or salary the prospective employee is to be paid upon hire. Except, that if a prospective employee voluntarily provides their salary information the employer would be able to use the salary history to support a wage or salary higher than the employee’s initial offer to the extent that it does not create an unlawful pay differential.
  • Refusing to interview, hire, employ or promote a prospective employee or otherwise retaliate against a prospective employee for not providing wage or salary history or for requesting a wage or salary range.
  • Failing or refusing to provide a prospective employee the wage or salary range for the position for which the prospective employee is applying prior to discussing compensation and at any time upon the prospective employee’s request.
  • Failing to set a wage or salary range in good faith. Any analysis of whether the range or salary range has been set in good faith would need to consider, among other things, the breadth of the wage or salary range.

An employer that violates the bill’s provisions would be liable to a prospective employee for statutory damages between $1,000 and $10,000 or actual damages whichever is greater.

Virginia HB 990 passed the House following a 51 to 47 vote on February 6, 2024. The bill would prohibit a prospective employer from:

  • Seeking the wage or salary history of a prospective employee.
  • Relying on the wage or salary history of a prospective employee in considering the prospective employee for employment.
  • Relying on the wage or salary history of a prospective employee in determining the wages or salary the prospective employee is to be paid.
  • Refusing to interview, hire, employ or promote a prospective employee for not providing their salary history.
  • Failing or refusing to provide a prospective employee with the wage or salary range for the position they are applying for prior to discussing compensation and at any time upon their request.
  • Failing to set a wage or salary range in good faith.

An employer that violates these provisions would be liable to the prospective employee for statutory damages between $1,000 and $10,000 or actual damages whichever is greater. A companion bill, SB 370, passed the Senate on February 5.

Virginia HB 990 passed the Senate as previously substituted following a 21 to 18 vote on February 22, 2024 and the House concurred with those amendments on February 26.  A companion bill, SB 370, passed the House on February 23.

Virginia HB 990 was referred to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on March 11, 2024, who will have until April 8 to sign or veto the bill or it becomes law.

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