Bill > SB1396

This bill amends Title 44 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to add a new chapter focused on public servant data privacy, aiming to protect sensitive personal information of certain public officials and their associates from being sold by data brokers. A "principal person" is defined as an active, former, or retired Governor, Lieutenant Governor, member of the General Assembly, or judge. An "associated person" includes family members (parents, spouses, children, grandchildren) or individuals sharing a primary residence with a principal person. "Protected information" encompasses home addresses, home telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, and driver's license numbers. The bill prohibits "data brokers" – entities that sell personal information without a direct relationship with the individual – from selling this protected information of covered persons after receiving written notice requesting nondisclosure. This protection lasts for the lifetime of a principal person and for a specified period after the connection ends for associated persons. Violations can lead to civil action, with potential damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees awarded to the affected individual. The chapter also clarifies that this privacy protection does not prevent public officials from complying with campaign disclosure requirements or individuals from challenging a candidate's residency.