Texas House Bill HB3746

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain notifications required following a breach of security of computerized data.

Impact

The passage of HB 3746 is expected to strengthen state consumer protection laws by formalizing the requirements for breach notification and providing a framework for public accountability. With the Attorney General managing a publicly accessible list of breaches, the bill aims to create a database that can inform citizens about potential threats to their personal information. By addressing large-scale breaches more effectively, the bill contributes to a broader effort to enhance cybersecurity measures statewide. As a result, both consumers and businesses may become increasingly aware of the importance of data security practices.

Summary

House Bill 3746 seeks to enhance the transparency and accountability surrounding data breaches that affect residents in Texas. The bill amends existing legislation regarding notifications that individuals or entities must provide when they experience a breach of data security. Specifically, it mandates that any organization that discovers a data breach impacting at least 250 Texas residents must inform the Attorney General within 60 days, detailing the nature of the breach, the number of affected residents, and the steps taken in response. This change aims to ensure that data breaches are reported promptly, thus enabling better tracking and response to cybersecurity incidents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 3746 appears to be overwhelmingly positive among lawmakers, as indicated by its passage with unanimous support in both the House and Senate. Many legislators view the bill as a necessary step to address the growing concerns surrounding data breaches, especially with the rise of digital transactions and personal data sharing. Advocates believe that formalizing these notification requirements not only helps protect consumers but also strengthens the responsibility of businesses to safeguard sensitive information. There seems to be a shared consensus that improving transparency is vital to maintaining public trust in digital services.

Contention

While there were no significant points of contention reported during the discussions surrounding HB 3746, some stakeholders may have concerns regarding the practical implications of compliance for businesses, particularly smaller organizations that may struggle with the costs associated with implementing the necessary security measures and notification processes. Additionally, discussions regarding the scope of the Attorney General's oversight might lead to conversations about privacy and data management in the future, especially as technology and consumer expectations evolve.