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VA HB1161

VA HB1161
Government. Data Collection & Dissemination Practices Act; dissemin. of personal to federal gov't.


summary

Introduced
01/14/2026
In Committee
03/04/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act; dissemination of personal information to federal government; civil penalties. Provides that any agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth shall only disseminate personal information (i) to the extent necessary to comply with state or federal law, including the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; (ii) to the extent necessary to carry out the administration of a state or federal program pursuant to state or federal law; (iii) to comply with a subpoena, court order, or administrative proceeding; (iv) to the extent necessary to ensure fulfillment of the obligations of a purchase or contract made in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act; or (v) when the data subject has given consent. The bill authorizes a court, in the case of a willful and knowing violation, to subject a specific public officer, appointee, or employee of any agency to civil penalties.

AI Summary

This bill, titled the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act, amends existing Virginia law to place stricter limitations on how government agencies and political subdivisions can share personal information. It clarifies that such information can only be disseminated under specific circumstances: to comply with state or federal laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to administer state or federal programs, to fulfill court orders or subpoenas, to meet contractual obligations under the Virginia Public Procurement Act, or when the individual whose information it is has given explicit consent. The bill also introduces civil penalties for public officers, appointees, or employees who willfully and knowingly violate these dissemination rules, with penalties increasing for subsequent offenses. The term "consent" is defined to mean a clear, affirmative act showing the individual's freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous agreement.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs, Justice

Sponsors (12)

Last Action

Reported from General Laws and Technology with substitute (9-Y 6-N) (on 03/04/2026)

bill text


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