Minnesota Senate Bill SF2940

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/24/25
• Refer: 3/24/25

Caption

Minnesota Data Privacy Act modification to make consumer health data a form of sensitive data provision and sensitive data additional protections addition provision

Impact

One significant change introduced by this bill is the requirement for entities handling sensitive health data to obtain explicit consent from consumers before processing or selling their data. This amendment is intended to streamline the consent process and ensure consumers are fully informed about how their health data is being utilized. Alongside these enhancements, the bill also repeals certain existing provisions that may have limited the effectiveness of the data privacy law, thus elevating the overall standards for data protection in Minnesota.

Summary

SF2940 is a proposed amendment to the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, aimed at enhancing consumer protection by classifying health data as a form of sensitive data. This classification extends the protections already in place for sensitive data by incorporating specific provisions regarding the handling, processing, and sale of health-related data. The bill seeks to address the growing concerns around consumer privacy, especially in the context of the health sector, where data breaches can have severe implications for individuals.

Contention

While supporters argue that these modifications are essential for safeguarding consumer rights and enhancing data privacy, there may be notable contention around how these requirements could impact businesses, especially small enterprises that may struggle with compliance costs. Critics of stricter regulations often raise concerns about the balance between consumer protection and the operational burdens imposed on businesses, particularly in terms of transparency and consent management. The debate will likely center on finding a compromise that ensures adequate consumer protection without unduly hindering economic activity in the data-driven marketplace.