Bill > H0342

This bill aims to protect the personal information of certain public servants by requiring data brokers to stop disclosing specific protected details upon receiving a notice from a covered person or their authorized agent. The bill defines "covered persons" broadly to include current and former judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders, and employees of various state departments and agencies, as well as their immediate family members. Protected information includes home addresses, telephone numbers, personal email addresses, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and vehicle identifiers. When a covered person submits a notice to a data broker requesting cessation of information disclosure, the broker must stop sharing that information within 15 days. The bill establishes penalties for non-compliance, including civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation enforced by the Attorney General and the potential for private civil actions by covered persons. The legislation also includes provisions for an exemption if the data broker quickly ceases disclosure after being served with a lawsuit. Additionally, the bill mandates a study by the Agency of Digital Services to examine the potential impacts of similar disclosure restrictions on public agencies, with a report due by December 1, 2026. The private action provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, and the overall act will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.342