Hawaii Senate Bill SB21

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/20/23

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution Establishing The Right To Own One's Own Data.

Impact

If passed, this constitutional amendment would significantly impact state laws regarding data privacy and ownership rights. It would specifically empower the legislature to define the types of data included under this provision and establish the methods for implementation and enforcement. This could lead to more robust regulations surrounding data collection and usage by businesses, potentially changing the landscape of digital business operations within Hawaii.

Summary

Senate Bill 21 (SB21) proposes an amendment to the Hawaii State Constitution that establishes the right for individuals to own and maintain exclusive property rights over the data they generate on the Internet. This legislative initiative seeks to empower citizens by granting them rights to their personal information collected and utilized by various entities online. The proposed amendment emphasizes that ownership of data should be recognized as a fundamental right, aligning with growing concerns regarding privacy and data protection in the digital age.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to enhance individual rights, it also raises questions and concerns regarding the feasibility and implications of enforcing such rights. Some legislators and stakeholders may argue about the extent to which this amendment could complicate existing data management practices for businesses and public entities. Additionally, there may be discussions around which types of data should be protected and how this new amendment would integrate with existing privacy laws at both state and federal levels.