Bill > LC0722

This bill establishes the "Electronic Data Ownership Act" to provide Montana residents with greater control and ownership rights over their electronic data. The bill defines electronic data as owned by the individual who created it, and requires that any entity possessing an individual's electronic data hold it in trust for that individual. Importantly, electronic data ownership is non-descendible, meaning that upon a person's death, their electronic data must be permanently deleted within a reasonable time after the final distribution of their assets. The bill prohibits contracts from requiring residents to forfeit or donate their electronic data for nominal consideration and mandates that any sale of electronic data must provide fair compensation and disclose the purchaser's identity. Individuals are granted the right to take legal action if their electronic data is sold improperly, with the attorney general or county attorney able to seek injunctions, punitive damages, and attorney fees. The legislation aims to protect individuals' privacy and give them more control over their personal digital information by establishing clear ownership rights and preventing unauthorized or undervalued data transactions.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0722