Alabama 2023 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB59

Introduced
3/7/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Report Pass
4/5/23  
Engrossed
4/13/23  
Refer
4/13/23  
Report Pass
4/19/23  
Report Pass
4/19/23  
Enrolled
4/27/23  

Caption

Relating to disclosure of certain personal information; to prohibit public agencies from collecting, disclosing, or releasing certain personal information about members of, volunteers for, and financial and nonfinancial donors to nonprofit organizations, except as required by law; and to provide civil and criminal penalties for violation of these prohibitions; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Impact

The passage of SB59 will significantly alter state laws concerning data privacy for nonprofit organizations. By limiting the circumstances under which public agencies can access or disclose personal information, the bill aims to foster greater trust in nonprofit institutions. However, it also implies potential increased administrative burdens for public agencies in ensuring compliance with these new restrictions, as well as the potential for increased litigation over violations, given the civil and criminal penalties attached to noncompliance.

Summary

Senate Bill 59, known as The Personal Privacy Protection Act, aims to enhance the confidentiality of personal information associated with nonprofit organizations in Alabama. The bill prohibits public agencies from collecting, disclosing, or releasing personal information about members, volunteers, or donors to nonprofit organizations without explicit legal requirements. It specifies that personal information is confidential and should not be treated as public records, thus reinforcing the protection of individuals involved in nonprofit activities.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB59 has been positive, particularly among advocates for nonprofit organizations and privacy rights. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for protecting the identities and contributions of individuals involved with nonprofits, especially in an era where privacy breaches are increasingly common. However, there are concerns among some lawmakers regarding its implications for accountability and transparency in the nonprofit sector, suggesting a minor level of contention.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB59 include the balance it strikes between protecting personal privacy and ensuring the transparency of nonprofit organizations. Critics suggest that overly stringent privacy measures could hinder public oversight and accountability regarding nonprofit operations. Despite these concerns, the sentiment largely favors the bill, as it is seen as a necessary step to protect personal information in a rapidly changing digital environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB513

Alabama Justice Information Commission; collection, dissemination, and use of biometric identifiers by certain entities provided for; Alabama Background Check Service established, types, uses, and fees for certain background checks for noncriminal justice purposes authorized; Alabama Rap Back Program established, penalties provided for; existing law relating to release of criminal history information repealed

AL HB611

Abortion producing drug; prohibitions provided relating to access to abortion producing drugs via the internet or other information technology systems, Attorney General authorized to enforce, civil cause of action created, criminal penalties provided

AL SB281

Financial Institutions; to prohibit financial institutions from using a merchant category code to identify firearms transactions; to prohibit disclosure of financial information regarding firearms transactions

AL HB418

Financial Institutions and Insurers; using social credit score to discriminate prohibited; violations of insurers an unfair trade practice; fines, penalties and remedies authorized

AL SB228

Financial Institutions and Insurers; using social credit score to discriminate prohibited; violations of insurers an unfair trade practice; fines, penalties and remedies authorized

AL HB389

Financial Institutions; to prohibit financial institutions from using a merchant category code to identify firearms transactions; to prohibit disclosure of financial information regarding firearms transactions

AL HB470

Consumer protection, protection of personally identifiable information further provided for, civil and criminal liability established

AL SB129

Diversity, equity, and inclusion; certain public entities prohibited from maintaining office that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; certain programs related to divisive concepts or diversity, equity, and inclusion, prohibited; promotion and endorsement of certain divisive concepts in certain public settings prohibited; exceptions provided; public institution of higher education, required to designate multioccupancy restrooms based on biological sex

AL HB382

Real estate transactions; required disclosure forms; description of brokerage services; terms of compensation; required written brokerage agreements under certain circumstances; penalties and fines for certain violations; duties of qualifying brokers and licensees; scope of operation of teams

AL SB212

Real estate transactions; required disclosure forms; description of brokerage services; terms of compensation; required written brokerage agreements under certain circumstances; penalties and fines for certain violations; duties of qualifying brokers and licensees; scope of operation of teams

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