Lawmakers seek to override state data privacy laws with new bill

On Wednesday, two significant data privacy bills are set to be unveiled, aiming to establish a national framework that would supersede nearly two dozen existing state laws. These proposed legislations, the SECURE Data Act and the GUARD Financial Data Act, are crafted to work in tandem, targeting technology companies and financial services respectively. House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie, a Republican from Kentucky, alongside House Financial Services Chair French Hill from Arkansas, are championing these initiatives. Their backing is expected to provide the necessary momentum for initial votes scheduled for next month. Guthrie emphasized that the SECURE Act aims to eliminate the existing confusing landscape of state-by-state regulations that hinder both consumers and small businesses. The bills not only seek to unify data privacy laws but also empower individuals by granting them the ability to access, correct, or delete their personal data. Moreover, users will have the option to opt out of targeted advertising and the sale of their data, as outlined in the draft text. However, the bills do not include provisions that would allow individuals to sue companies for data privacy violations, a point of contention that Democratic lawmakers have previously advocated for in similar legislation. Over the past few years, Congress has grappled with finding a balanced approach to data privacy protections amid partisan divides. Guthrie is keen to avoid the pitfalls that led to the stalling of previous data privacy efforts. Last year, he initiated a task force intended to garner support from Republican members and solicit feedback. The strategy involves ensuring sufficient Republican backing in committee votes before seeking bipartisan support, a tactic mirrored by the House Financial Services Committee.