Virginia House Bill HB1648

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/25
• Refer: 1/3/25

Caption

Office of Data Governance and Analytics; oversight; Chief Data Officer; duties.

Impact

If enacted, HB1648 will fundamentally alter the landscape of data governance in Virginia. The legislation establishes a structured framework for data sharing that is anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and transparency among governmental entities. Legislators advocate that this will lead to improved service delivery and stakeholder outcomes, as agencies become more data-informed in their activities. Furthermore, the bill envisions making Virginia a leader in using data analytics to drive public policy decisions and outcomes, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.

Summary

House Bill 1648 proposes the establishment of the Office of Data Governance and Analytics within the Virginia Information Technologies Agency. The primary aim of this bill is to enhance the management and sharing of data across state, regional, and local public entities and educational institutions. The bill introduces the position of Chief Data Officer (CDO) to oversee the Office, which will facilitate effective data governance strategies and improve compliance with the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act. By creating an organized approach to data management, the state aims to utilize data more effectively to improve public services and promote more informed decision-making processes across various government sectors.

Contention

While supporters hail HB1648 as a progressive step towards modernizing government operations through data-centric approaches, there are concerns regarding privacy and data security. Critics may argue that the expansive data-sharing requirements could expose personal information to unauthorized access if not managed correctly. The provisions for the Commonwealth Data Trust come under scrutiny for their implications on data privacy, particularly with the integration of data from various government sources. Stakeholders stress the need for strict protocols to ensure that data sharing upholds the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.