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Brown: Bill to protect Hoosiers' data passes Senate

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2023) – A Senate Republican Caucus priority bill authored by State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) that would protect Hoosiers' data, passed the Senate today unanimously.

Senate Bill 5 would establish valuable consumer rights regarding personal data and require businesses to have data protection assessment and security checks.

"We are in a new age of technology and large companies have the ability to track and collect consumers' data," Brown said. "Whether it is coupons being sent to your email or tailored advertisements while using the internet, companies are able to access a lot of information about consumer habits. This law would provide consumers with more tools to protect themselves."

Current Indiana law requires businesses to alert consumers about security breaches that have placed their personal information in jeopardy. SB 5 would allow consumers to protect themselves before a breach even occurs by going as far as requiring companies to delete their information from the company's database completely, if they so desire.

Five states have passed similar legislation, but consumer data privacy laws are only in effect in two states.

"As a state, we need to get ahead of the national curve and not only give Hoosier consumers the ability to protect their data, but also impose uniform guidelines for companies to follow when operating in our state," Brown added.

SB 5 will now be considered by the House of Representatives.

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State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) represents Senate District 15, which includes a
portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.