Wyoming lawmakers propose strict limits on government use of personal data
January 24, 2025 | Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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During the January 24, 2025, meeting of the Wyoming Senate Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee, lawmakers discussed a significant bill aimed at regulating the handling of personal data by government entities. This legislation seeks to establish clear guidelines on how personal data can be collected, used, and shared, ensuring that residents have greater control over their information.
The bill defines a law enforcement agency and outlines what constitutes personal data, emphasizing that it includes any information linked to identifiable individuals. A key provision of the bill prohibits government entities from purchasing, selling, trading, or transferring personal data without the express written consent of the individual involved. This measure was prompted by concerns over a previous incident where a government agency purchased a private dataset, raising alarms about privacy and data ownership.
Additionally, the bill allows for exceptions where government entities can share personal data with one another, provided they comply with the established regulations. It also includes a mechanism for government bodies to petition for exemptions if they cannot meet the requirements, ensuring transparency by requiring public records of such requests.
Another important aspect of the legislation is that it grants Wyoming residents the right to access their personal data held by government entities. Residents can request corrections to any inaccuracies, with a mandated response time of 60 days for government agencies to address these requests.
The committee acknowledged potential conflicts with existing federal laws, such as HIPAA and FERPA, which govern the handling of sensitive information. The bill includes provisions to ensure compliance with these laws, although some committee members expressed concerns about potential loopholes.
As this bill progresses, it represents a significant step towards enhancing data privacy for Wyoming residents, reflecting a growing trend among states to prioritize personal data protection in an increasingly digital world. The committee's discussions highlight the importance of balancing government data needs with individual privacy rights, setting the stage for future legislative actions in this critical area.
The bill defines a law enforcement agency and outlines what constitutes personal data, emphasizing that it includes any information linked to identifiable individuals. A key provision of the bill prohibits government entities from purchasing, selling, trading, or transferring personal data without the express written consent of the individual involved. This measure was prompted by concerns over a previous incident where a government agency purchased a private dataset, raising alarms about privacy and data ownership.
Additionally, the bill allows for exceptions where government entities can share personal data with one another, provided they comply with the established regulations. It also includes a mechanism for government bodies to petition for exemptions if they cannot meet the requirements, ensuring transparency by requiring public records of such requests.
Another important aspect of the legislation is that it grants Wyoming residents the right to access their personal data held by government entities. Residents can request corrections to any inaccuracies, with a mandated response time of 60 days for government agencies to address these requests.
The committee acknowledged potential conflicts with existing federal laws, such as HIPAA and FERPA, which govern the handling of sensitive information. The bill includes provisions to ensure compliance with these laws, although some committee members expressed concerns about potential loopholes.
As this bill progresses, it represents a significant step towards enhancing data privacy for Wyoming residents, reflecting a growing trend among states to prioritize personal data protection in an increasingly digital world. The committee's discussions highlight the importance of balancing government data needs with individual privacy rights, setting the stage for future legislative actions in this critical area.
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