| 1 | | - | BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 2 | | - | 2025 Page1of29 |
|---|
| 3 | | - | H.342 |
|---|
| 4 | | - | IntroducedbyRepresentativesPriestleyofBradford,CaseyofMontpelier, |
|---|
| 5 | | - | CoffinofCavendish,HeadrickofBurlington,Howardof |
|---|
| 6 | | - | RutlandCity,MrowickiofPutney,NugentofSouthBurlington, |
|---|
| 7 | | - | andWhiteofBethel |
|---|
| 8 | | - | ReferredtoCommitteeon |
|---|
| 9 | | - | Date: |
|---|
| 10 | | - | Subject:Commerceandtrade;protectionofpersonalinformation;public |
|---|
| 11 | | - | servants |
|---|
| 12 | | - | Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestorequiredata |
|---|
| 13 | | - | brokerstostopdisclosingtheprotectedpersonalinformationofcertainpublic |
|---|
| 14 | | - | servantsuponreceivinganoticetostopdisclosingtheprotectedinformation. |
|---|
| 15 | | - | Anactrelatingtoprotectingthepersonalinformationofcertainpublic |
|---|
| 16 | | - | servants |
|---|
| 17 | | - | ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont: |
|---|
| 18 | | - | Sec.1.FINDINGSANDPURPOSE |
|---|
| 19 | | - | (a)TheGeneralAssemblyfindsthatVermont’sjudges,prosecutors,law |
|---|
| 20 | | - | enforcementofficers,andotherpublicservantsplayanessentialroleinthe |
|---|
| 21 | | - | functioningofthegovernmentoftheStateofVermontandthatthenatureof |
|---|
| 22 | | - | 1 |
|---|
| 23 | | - | 2 |
|---|
| 24 | | - | 3 |
|---|
| 25 | | - | 4 |
|---|
| 26 | | - | 5 |
|---|
| 27 | | - | 6 |
|---|
| 28 | | - | 7 |
|---|
| 29 | | - | 8 |
|---|
| 30 | | - | 9 |
|---|
| 31 | | - | 10 |
|---|
| 32 | | - | 11 |
|---|
| 33 | | - | 12 |
|---|
| 34 | | - | 13 |
|---|
| 35 | | - | 14 |
|---|
| 36 | | - | 15 |
|---|
| 37 | | - | 16 |
|---|
| 38 | | - | 17 |
|---|
| 39 | | - | 18 |
|---|
| 40 | | - | 19 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 41 | | - | 2025 Page2of29 |
|---|
| 42 | | - | theirofficialdutiesregularlyplacesthemindangerofdeath,seriousphysical |
|---|
| 43 | | - | injury,andotherreprisalsfrommembersofthepublic. |
|---|
| 44 | | - | (b)Violencetoandintimidationofsuchpublicservantsandtheirfamilies |
|---|
| 45 | | - | isontheriseandpublicaccesstothepersonalinformationoftheseindividuals |
|---|
| 46 | | - | canbeandhasbeenusedtofacilitateviolenceandintimidation.Thepersonal |
|---|
| 47 | | - | informationoftheseindividualsisofnegligiblevaluetothepublicinterestor |
|---|
| 48 | | - | publicdiscourse. |
|---|
| 49 | | - | (c)Accordingly,theprovisionsofthisactarebothnecessaryand |
|---|
| 50 | | - | appropriatetoprotecttheprivacy,safety,andsecurityofpublicservantsandto |
|---|
| 51 | | - | preventinterferenceintheadministrationofjusticeandtheoperationof |
|---|
| 52 | | - | governmentintheStateofVermont. |
|---|
| 53 | | - | Sec.2.9V.S.A.chapter62isamendedtoread: |
|---|
| 54 | | - | CHAPTER62.PROTECTIONOFPERSONALINFORMATION |
|---|
| 55 | | - | *** |
|---|
| 56 | | - | Subchapter5.DataBrokers |
|---|
| 57 | | - | *** |
|---|
| 58 | | - | § 2448.NONDISCLOSURE OFCERTAINPUBLICSERVANT |
|---|
| 59 | | - | PERSONALINFORMATION |
|---|
| 60 | | - | (a)Definitions.Asusedinthissection: |
|---|
| 61 | | - | 1 |
|---|
| 62 | | - | 2 |
|---|
| 63 | | - | 3 |
|---|
| 64 | | - | 4 |
|---|
| 65 | | - | 5 |
|---|
| 66 | | - | 6 |
|---|
| 67 | | - | 7 |
|---|
| 68 | | - | 8 |
|---|
| 69 | | - | 9 |
|---|
| 70 | | - | 10 |
|---|
| 71 | | - | 11 |
|---|
| 72 | | - | 12 |
|---|
| 73 | | - | 13 |
|---|
| 74 | | - | 14 |
|---|
| 75 | | - | 15 |
|---|
| 76 | | - | 16 |
|---|
| 77 | | - | 17 |
|---|
| 78 | | - | 18 |
|---|
| 79 | | - | 19 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 80 | | - | 2025 Page3of29 |
|---|
| 81 | | - | (1)“Assignee”meansapersonorentitytowhomacoveredperson’s |
|---|
| 82 | | - | righttobringacivilactionforaviolationofthissectionhasbeenassignedby |
|---|
| 83 | | - | thecoveredpersonortheirauthorizedagent. |
|---|
| 84 | | - | (2)“Authorizedagent”meansanyofthefollowingpersonsorentities |
|---|
| 85 | | - | authorizedtosubmitorrevokearequestfortheredactionornondisclosureof |
|---|
| 86 | | - | protectedinformationonbehalfofacoveredpersonandtoengagein |
|---|
| 87 | | - | communicationsandenforcementrelatedtotherequest: |
|---|
| 88 | | - | (A)adesignatedtrusteeorotheragentpursuanttoawrittenpowerof |
|---|
| 89 | | - | attorneyorotherlegalinstrumentonbehalfofanycoveredpersonwhois |
|---|
| 90 | | - | physicallyormentallyincapacitated; |
|---|
| 91 | | - | (B)aparentorlegalguardianonbehalfofanychildwhoisaminor |
|---|
| 92 | | - | andwhoisotherwiseentitledtoaddressredactionornondisclosurepursuantto |
|---|
| 93 | | - | thissection;and |
|---|
| 94 | | - | (C)apersonorentitywhohasbeenappointedpursuanttoanotarized |
|---|
| 95 | | - | documentbyacoveredpersontoactforthecoveredpersonforthesubmission |
|---|
| 96 | | - | orrevocationofrequestsforredactionornondisclosureofprotected |
|---|
| 97 | | - | information. |
|---|
| 98 | | - | (3)“Coveredperson”meansanyofthefollowingindividuals: |
|---|
| 99 | | - | (A)activeorformerjudges,lawenforcementofficers,prosecutors, |
|---|
| 100 | | - | publicdefenders,paroleandprobationofficers,municipalemployees,and |
|---|
| 101 | | - | 1 |
|---|
| 102 | | - | 2 |
|---|
| 103 | | - | 3 |
|---|
| 104 | | - | 4 |
|---|
| 105 | | - | 5 |
|---|
| 106 | | - | 6 |
|---|
| 107 | | - | 7 |
|---|
| 108 | | - | 8 |
|---|
| 109 | | - | 9 |
|---|
| 110 | | - | 10 |
|---|
| 111 | | - | 11 |
|---|
| 112 | | - | 12 |
|---|
| 113 | | - | 13 |
|---|
| 114 | | - | 14 |
|---|
| 115 | | - | 15 |
|---|
| 116 | | - | 16 |
|---|
| 117 | | - | 17 |
|---|
| 118 | | - | 18 |
|---|
| 119 | | - | 19 |
|---|
| 120 | | - | 20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 121 | | - | 2025 Page4of29 |
|---|
| 122 | | - | employeesoftheFamilyServicesDivisionoftheDepartmentforChildrenand |
|---|
| 123 | | - | Families;and |
|---|
| 124 | | - | (B)theimmediatefamilyofindividualsidentifiedinsubdivision(A) |
|---|
| 125 | | - | ofthissubdivision(3). |
|---|
| 126 | | - | (4)“Databroker”hasthesamemeaningassetforthinsection2430of |
|---|
| 127 | | - | thistitle.“Databroker”asusedinthissectionshallexcludegovernmental |
|---|
| 128 | | - | agenciesandtheirrepresentativesactingintheirofficialcapacities. |
|---|
| 129 | | - | (5)“Disclose”or“disclosing”meanstosolicit,sell,manufacture,give, |
|---|
| 130 | | - | provide,lend,trade,mail,deliver,transfer,post,publish,distribute,circulate, |
|---|
| 131 | | - | disseminate,present,exhibit,advertise,offer,orincludewithinasearchable |
|---|
| 132 | | - | listordatabase,regardlessofwhetheranypersonhasactuallysearchedthelist |
|---|
| 133 | | - | ordatabase. |
|---|
| 134 | | - | (6)“Homeaddress”meansapartialorcompletestreetaddressorother |
|---|
| 135 | | - | informationthatrevealsahome’slocation,includingtaxparcelID,legal |
|---|
| 136 | | - | propertydescription,orgeographiccoordinates. |
|---|
| 137 | | - | (7)“Hometelephonenumber”meansanytelephonenumberused |
|---|
| 138 | | - | primarilyforpersonalcommunications,includingalandlineorcellular |
|---|
| 139 | | - | telephonenumber. |
|---|
| 140 | | - | (8)“Immediatefamily”hasthesamemeaningasin3V.S.A.§1201. |
|---|
| 141 | | - | (9)“Judge”meansanyjustice,judge,ormagistrateoftheVermont |
|---|
| 142 | | - | SupremeCourt,SuperiorCourt,orVermontJudicialBureau,andanyjudgeor |
|---|
| 143 | | - | 1 |
|---|
| 144 | | - | 2 |
|---|
| 145 | | - | 3 |
|---|
| 146 | | - | 4 |
|---|
| 147 | | - | 5 |
|---|
| 148 | | - | 6 |
|---|
| 149 | | - | 7 |
|---|
| 150 | | - | 8 |
|---|
| 151 | | - | 9 |
|---|
| 152 | | - | 10 |
|---|
| 153 | | - | 11 |
|---|
| 154 | | - | 12 |
|---|
| 155 | | - | 13 |
|---|
| 156 | | - | 14 |
|---|
| 157 | | - | 15 |
|---|
| 158 | | - | 16 |
|---|
| 159 | | - | 17 |
|---|
| 160 | | - | 18 |
|---|
| 161 | | - | 19 |
|---|
| 162 | | - | 20 |
|---|
| 163 | | - | 21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 164 | | - | 2025 Page5of29 |
|---|
| 165 | | - | magistrateofafederalcourtlocatedinVermont,oranypersonwhoservesasa |
|---|
| 166 | | - | judge,justice,ormagistrateinanotherstatewhomaintainsahomeaddressin |
|---|
| 167 | | - | Vermont. |
|---|
| 168 | | - | (10)“Lawenforcementofficer”hasthesamemeaningasin20V.S.A. |
|---|
| 169 | | - | § 2351a. |
|---|
| 170 | | - | (11)“Municipalemployee”hasthesamemeaningasin21V.S.A. |
|---|
| 171 | | - | § 1722. |
|---|
| 172 | | - | (12)“Paroleandprobationofficer”meansacorrectionsservices |
|---|
| 173 | | - | specialistemployedbytheDepartmentofCorrectionsoraparoleorprobation |
|---|
| 174 | | - | officeremployedbyaVermontcountyormunicipality. |
|---|
| 175 | | - | (13)“Prosecutor”meansaVermontState’sAttorneyorDeputyState’s |
|---|
| 176 | | - | Attorney,oraU.S.AttorneyoranAssistantU.S.Attorney. |
|---|
| 177 | | - | (14)“Protectedinformation”meansacoveredperson’s: |
|---|
| 178 | | - | (A)homeaddress,includingprimaryresidenceandanysecondary |
|---|
| 179 | | - | residences; |
|---|
| 180 | | - | (B)hometelephonenumber; |
|---|
| 181 | | - | (C)personalemailaddress; |
|---|
| 182 | | - | (D)SocialSecuritynumberordriver’slicensenumber;and |
|---|
| 183 | | - | (E)licenseplatenumberorotheruniqueidentifiersofavehicle |
|---|
| 184 | | - | owned,leased,orregularlyusedbyacoveredperson. |
|---|
| 185 | | - | 1 |
|---|
| 186 | | - | 2 |
|---|
| 187 | | - | 3 |
|---|
| 188 | | - | 4 |
|---|
| 189 | | - | 5 |
|---|
| 190 | | - | 6 |
|---|
| 191 | | - | 7 |
|---|
| 192 | | - | 8 |
|---|
| 193 | | - | 9 |
|---|
| 194 | | - | 10 |
|---|
| 195 | | - | 11 |
|---|
| 196 | | - | 12 |
|---|
| 197 | | - | 13 |
|---|
| 198 | | - | 14 |
|---|
| 199 | | - | 15 |
|---|
| 200 | | - | 16 |
|---|
| 201 | | - | 17 |
|---|
| 202 | | - | 18 |
|---|
| 203 | | - | 19 |
|---|
| 204 | | - | 20 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 205 | | - | 2025 Page6of29 |
|---|
| 206 | | - | (15)“Publicdefender”meanstheDefenderGeneral,DeputyDefender |
|---|
| 207 | | - | General,publicdefenders,ordeputypublicdefendersthatprovidelegal |
|---|
| 208 | | - | servicestopersonsinneedassetforthin13V.S.A.chapter163. |
|---|
| 209 | | - | (b)Nondisclosureofprotectedinformation. |
|---|
| 210 | | - | (1)Acoveredpersonoranauthorizedagentofthecoveredpersonhas |
|---|
| 211 | | - | therightthroughthissectiontosendanoticetoadatabrokerrequestingthat |
|---|
| 212 | | - | thedatabrokerceasedisclosureorredisclosureofthecoveredperson’s |
|---|
| 213 | | - | protectedinformation. |
|---|
| 214 | | - | (2)Uponadatabrokerreceivingphysicalorelectronicnoticefroma |
|---|
| 215 | | - | coveredperson,oranauthorizedagentofthecoveredperson,requestingthat |
|---|
| 216 | | - | thedatabrokerceasedisclosingorredisclosingprotectedinformationofthe |
|---|
| 217 | | - | coveredperson,thedatabrokershallceasedisclosingtheprotected |
|---|
| 218 | | - | informationnotlaterthan10daysafterreceiptofthenoticeandshallnot |
|---|
| 219 | | - | discloseorredisclosetheprotectedinformationafterthattime. |
|---|
| 220 | | - | (3)Thenoticeassetforthinsubdivision(2)ofthissubsectionshallbe |
|---|
| 221 | | - | inaformprovidedbytheSecretaryofState,exceptthatnopriorverification |
|---|
| 222 | | - | ofacoveredperson’sorauthorizedagent’sstatusshallberequiredforthe |
|---|
| 223 | | - | notice.TheSecretaryofStateshallpublishtheformofnoticenotlaterthan |
|---|
| 224 | | - | 90daysafterJuly1,2025,providedthatuntilsuchformispublished,covered |
|---|
| 225 | | - | personsandtheirauthorizedagentsmayusetheirownformofwrittennotice |
|---|
| 226 | | - | thatreferencesthissection,identifiesthesenderasacoveredpersonoran |
|---|
| 227 | | - | 1 |
|---|
| 228 | | - | 2 |
|---|
| 229 | | - | 3 |
|---|
| 230 | | - | 4 |
|---|
| 231 | | - | 5 |
|---|
| 232 | | - | 6 |
|---|
| 233 | | - | 7 |
|---|
| 234 | | - | 8 |
|---|
| 235 | | - | 9 |
|---|
| 236 | | - | 10 |
|---|
| 237 | | - | 11 |
|---|
| 238 | | - | 12 |
|---|
| 239 | | - | 13 |
|---|
| 240 | | - | 14 |
|---|
| 241 | | - | 15 |
|---|
| 242 | | - | 16 |
|---|
| 243 | | - | 17 |
|---|
| 244 | | - | 18 |
|---|
| 245 | | - | 19 |
|---|
| 246 | | - | 20 |
|---|
| 247 | | - | 21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 248 | | - | 2025 Page7of29 |
|---|
| 249 | | - | authorizedagentactingonbehalfofacoveredperson,andrequeststhatthe |
|---|
| 250 | | - | databrokerceasedisclosureofthecoveredperson’sprotectedinformation. |
|---|
| 251 | | - | (4)Adatabrokerthatreceivesanoticefromacoveredpersonorthe |
|---|
| 252 | | - | authorizedagentofthecoveredpersonpursuanttosubdivision(2)ofthis |
|---|
| 253 | | - | subsectionthatdisclosesorredisclosesthecoveredperson’sprotected |
|---|
| 254 | | - | informationmorethan10businessdaysafterreceivingthenoticeisin |
|---|
| 255 | | - | violationofthissectionandshallbesubjecttothefollowingpenaltiesina |
|---|
| 256 | | - | civilactionbroughtinSuperiorCourtbythecoveredpersonorthecovered |
|---|
| 257 | | - | person’sassignee: |
|---|
| 258 | | - | (A)damages,calculatedasthegreaterofactualdamagesor |
|---|
| 259 | | - | liquidateddamagescomputedattherateof$1,000.00foreachviolationofthis |
|---|
| 260 | | - | section; |
|---|
| 261 | | - | (B)punitivedamagesuponproofofwillfulorrecklessdisregardof |
|---|
| 262 | | - | thelaw; |
|---|
| 263 | | - | (C)reasonableattorney’sfeesandotherlitigationcostsreasonably |
|---|
| 264 | | - | incurred;and |
|---|
| 265 | | - | (D)anyotherpreliminaryandequitablereliefasthecourtdetermines |
|---|
| 266 | | - | tobeappropriate. |
|---|
| 267 | | - | (5)Inanyjudicialproceedingpursuanttosubdivision(4)ofthis |
|---|
| 268 | | - | subsection,thestandardoffaultshallbeordinarynegligence.Itshallnotbea |
|---|
| 269 | | - | defensetoliabilityinajudicialproceedingthatthecoveredperson’sprotected |
|---|
| 270 | | - | 1 |
|---|
| 271 | | - | 2 |
|---|
| 272 | | - | 3 |
|---|
| 273 | | - | 4 |
|---|
| 274 | | - | 5 |
|---|
| 275 | | - | 6 |
|---|
| 276 | | - | 7 |
|---|
| 277 | | - | 8 |
|---|
| 278 | | - | 9 |
|---|
| 279 | | - | 10 |
|---|
| 280 | | - | 11 |
|---|
| 281 | | - | 12 |
|---|
| 282 | | - | 13 |
|---|
| 283 | | - | 14 |
|---|
| 284 | | - | 15 |
|---|
| 285 | | - | 16 |
|---|
| 286 | | - | 17 |
|---|
| 287 | | - | 18 |
|---|
| 288 | | - | 19 |
|---|
| 289 | | - | 20 |
|---|
| 290 | | - | 21 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 291 | | - | 2025 Page8of29 |
|---|
| 292 | | - | informationisorwasavailabletothepublicfromothersources,ontheinternet |
|---|
| 293 | | - | orotherwise,oravailablebyinspectionofpublicrecords. |
|---|
| 294 | | - | (6)Acoveredpersonoranauthorizedagentaccessingadatabroker’s |
|---|
| 295 | | - | websiteorotherpublicapplicationforthepurposeofdeterminingwhetherthe |
|---|
| 296 | | - | coveredperson’sprotectedinformationisbeingdisclosedshallnot,asaresult |
|---|
| 297 | | - | ofsuchaccess,bedeemedtohaveagreedonbehalfofthecoveredpersonto |
|---|
| 298 | | - | anywebsitetermsandconditionswithrespecttothecoveredperson’srights |
|---|
| 299 | | - | underthissection. |
|---|
| 300 | | - | (7)Adisclosureofprotectedinformationshallnotconstituteaviolation |
|---|
| 301 | | - | ofthissectionifthedisclosure: |
|---|
| 302 | | - | (A)ismadewiththeexpressauthorizationofthecoveredperson, |
|---|
| 303 | | - | providedthattheauthorizationisprovidedsubsequenttotherelevant |
|---|
| 304 | | - | nondisclosurerequest;or |
|---|
| 305 | | - | (B)isforthesolepurposeoffacilitatingatransactioninitiatedbythe |
|---|
| 306 | | - | coveredperson. |
|---|
| 307 | | - | Sec.3.EFFECTIVEDATE |
|---|
| 308 | | - | ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025. |
|---|
| 309 | | - | Sec.1.FINDINGSANDPURPOSE |
|---|
| 310 | | - | (a)TheGeneralAssemblyfindsthatVermont’sjudges,prosecutors,law |
|---|
| 311 | | - | enforcementofficers,andotherpublicservantsplayanessentialroleinthe |
|---|
| 312 | | - | functioningofthegovernmentoftheStateofVermontandthatthenatureof |
|---|
| 313 | | - | 1 |
|---|
| 314 | | - | 2 |
|---|
| 315 | | - | 3 |
|---|
| 316 | | - | 4 |
|---|
| 317 | | - | 5 |
|---|
| 318 | | - | 6 |
|---|
| 319 | | - | 7 |
|---|
| 320 | | - | 8 |
|---|
| 321 | | - | 9 |
|---|
| 322 | | - | 10 |
|---|
| 323 | | - | 11 |
|---|
| 324 | | - | 12 |
|---|
| 325 | | - | 13 |
|---|
| 326 | | - | 14 |
|---|
| 327 | | - | 15 |
|---|
| 328 | | - | 16 |
|---|
| 329 | | - | 17 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 330 | | - | 2025 Page9of29 |
|---|
| 331 | | - | theirofficialdutiesregularlyplacesthemindangerofdeath,seriousphysical |
|---|
| 332 | | - | injury,andotherreprisalsfrommembersofthepublic. |
|---|
| 333 | | - | (b)Violencetoandintimidationofsuchpublicservantsandtheirfamilies |
|---|
| 334 | | - | isontheriseandpublicaccesstothepersonalinformationoftheseindividuals |
|---|
| 335 | | - | canbeandhasbeenusedtofacilitateviolenceandintimidation.Thepersonal |
|---|
| 336 | | - | informationoftheseindividualsisofnegligiblevaluetothepublicinterestor |
|---|
| 337 | | - | publicdiscourse. |
|---|
| 338 | | - | (c)Accordingly,theprovisionsofthisactarebothnecessaryand |
|---|
| 339 | | - | appropriatetoprotecttheprivacy,safety,andsecurityofpublicservantsand |
|---|
| 340 | | - | topreventinterferenceintheadministrationofjusticeandtheoperationof |
|---|
| 341 | | - | governmentintheStateofVermont. |
|---|
| 342 | | - | Sec.2.9V.S.A.chapter62isamendedtoread: |
|---|
| 343 | | - | CHAPTER62.PROTECTIONOFPERSONALINFORMATION |
|---|
| 344 | | - | *** |
|---|
| 345 | | - | Subchapter5.DataBrokers |
|---|
| 346 | | - | *** |
|---|
| 347 | | - | § 2448.NONDISCLOSUREOFCERTAINPUBLICSERVANT |
|---|
| 348 | | - | PERSONALINFORMATION |
|---|
| 349 | | - | (a)Definitions.Asusedinthissection: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 350 | | - | 2025 Page10of29 |
|---|
| 351 | | - | (1)“Assignee”meansapersonorentitytowhomacoveredperson’s |
|---|
| 352 | | - | righttobringacivilactionforaviolationofthissectionhasbeenassignedby |
|---|
| 353 | | - | thecoveredpersonortheirauthorizedagent. |
|---|
| 354 | | - | (2)“Authorizedagent”meansanyofthefollowingpersonsorentities |
|---|
| 355 | | - | authorizedtosubmitorrevokearequestfortheredactionornondisclosureof |
|---|
| 356 | | - | protectedinformationonbehalfofacoveredpersonandtoengagein |
|---|
| 357 | | - | communicationsandenforcementrelatedtotherequest: |
|---|
| 358 | | - | (A)adesignatedtrusteeorotheragentpursuanttoawrittenpower |
|---|
| 359 | | - | ofattorneyorotherlegalinstrumentonbehalfofanycoveredpersonwhois |
|---|
| 360 | | - | physicallyormentallyincapacitated; |
|---|
| 361 | | - | (B)aparentorlegalguardianonbehalfofanychildwhoisaminor |
|---|
| 362 | | - | andwhoisotherwiseentitledtoaddressredactionornondisclosurepursuant |
|---|
| 363 | | - | tothissection;and |
|---|
| 364 | | - | (C)apersonorentitywhohasbeenappointedpursuanttoa |
|---|
| 365 | | - | notarizeddocumentbyacoveredpersontoactforthecoveredpersonforthe |
|---|
| 366 | | - | submissionorrevocationofrequestsforredactionornondisclosureof |
|---|
| 367 | | - | protectedinformation. |
|---|
| 368 | | - | (3)“Coveredperson”meansanyofthefollowingindividuals: |
|---|
| 369 | | - | (A)activeorformerjudges,lawenforcementofficers,federallaw |
|---|
| 370 | | - | enforcementofficers,prosecutors,publicdefenders,paroleandprobation |
|---|
| 371 | | - | officers,andmembersoftheVermontParoleBoard; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 372 | | - | 2025 Page11of29 |
|---|
| 373 | | - | (B)employeesof: |
|---|
| 374 | | - | (i)theFamilyServicesDivisionoftheDepartmentforChildren |
|---|
| 375 | | - | andFamilies; |
|---|
| 376 | | - | (ii)theVermontHumanRightsCommission; |
|---|
| 377 | | - | (iii)theDepartmentofCorrections; |
|---|
| 378 | | - | (iv)theDepartmentofPublicSafety,includingtheVermontState |
|---|
| 379 | | - | Police; |
|---|
| 380 | | - | (v)theDepartmentofState’sAttorneysandSheriffs;and |
|---|
| 381 | | - | (vi)allcourtsintheState; |
|---|
| 382 | | - | (C)investigators,victimadvocates,mentalhealthcrisisworkers,and |
|---|
| 383 | | - | embeddedcrisisspecialiststhatareemployedorworkonacontractbasisfor |
|---|
| 384 | | - | anyoftheentitieslistedinsubdivision(3)(B)ofthissubsection;and |
|---|
| 385 | | - | (D)theimmediatefamilyofindividualsidentifiedinsubdivisions |
|---|
| 386 | | - | (A)–(C)ofthissubdivision(3). |
|---|
| 387 | | - | (4)“Databroker”hasthesamemeaningassetforthinsection2430of |
|---|
| 388 | | - | thistitle.Asusedinthissection,“databroker”shallexcludegovernmental |
|---|
| 389 | | - | agenciesandtheirrepresentativesactingintheirofficialcapacities. |
|---|
| 390 | | - | (5)“Disclose,”“disclosing,”or“disclosure”meanstosolicit,sell, |
|---|
| 391 | | - | manufacture,give,provide,lend,trade,mail,deliver,transfer,post,publish, |
|---|
| 392 | | - | distribute,circulate,disseminate,present,exhibit,advertise,offer,orinclude |
|---|
| 393 | | - | withinasearchablelistordatabase,regardlessofwhetheranypersonhas BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 394 | | - | 2025 Page12of29 |
|---|
| 395 | | - | actuallysearchedthelistordatabase.“Disclose”doesnotincludean |
|---|
| 396 | | - | organizationmaintainingprotectedinformationcompletelyinaccessibleand |
|---|
| 397 | | - | unviewabletoanypersonoutsideoftheorganization. |
|---|
| 398 | | - | (6)“Federallawenforcementofficer”hasthesamemeaningasin18 |
|---|
| 399 | | - | U.S.C.§ 115(c)(1)butislimitedtothoseindividualswhoworkorresidein |
|---|
| 400 | | - | Vermont. |
|---|
| 401 | | - | (7)“Homeaddress”meansapartialorcompletestreetaddressorother |
|---|
| 402 | | - | informationthatrevealsahome’slocation,includingtaxparcelID,legal |
|---|
| 403 | | - | propertydescription,orgeographiccoordinates. |
|---|
| 404 | | - | (8)“Hometelephonenumber”meansanytelephonenumberused |
|---|
| 405 | | - | primarilyforpersonalcommunications,includingalandlineorcellular |
|---|
| 406 | | - | telephonenumber. |
|---|
| 407 | | - | (9)“Immediatefamily”hasthesamemeaningasin3V.S.A.§1201. |
|---|
| 408 | | - | (10)“Judge”meansanyjustice,judge,ormagistrateofaStatecourtor |
|---|
| 409 | | - | ofafederalcourtlocatedinVermont,oranypersonwhoservesasajudge, |
|---|
| 410 | | - | justice,ormagistrateinanotherstatewhomaintainsahomeaddressin |
|---|
| 411 | | - | Vermont. |
|---|
| 412 | | - | (11)“Lawenforcementofficer”hasthesamemeaningasin20V.S.A. |
|---|
| 413 | | - | § 2351a. |
|---|
| 414 | | - | (12)“Paroleandprobationofficer”means: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 415 | | - | 2025 Page13of29 |
|---|
| 416 | | - | (A)acorrectionsservicesspecialistemployedbytheDepartmentof |
|---|
| 417 | | - | Corrections;or |
|---|
| 418 | | - | (B)aparoleorprobationofficeremployedbyaVermontcountyor |
|---|
| 419 | | - | municipality. |
|---|
| 420 | | - | (13)“Prosecutor”meansaVermontState’sAttorneyorDeputyState’s |
|---|
| 421 | | - | Attorney,theAttorneyGeneraloranAssistantAttorneyGeneral,oraU.S. |
|---|
| 422 | | - | AttorneyoranAssistantU.S.AttorneywhoworksinVermont. |
|---|
| 423 | | - | (14)“Protectedinformation”meansacoveredperson’s: |
|---|
| 424 | | - | (A)homeaddress,includingprimaryresidenceandanysecondary |
|---|
| 425 | | - | residences; |
|---|
| 426 | | - | (B)hometelephonenumber; |
|---|
| 427 | | - | (C)personalemailaddress; |
|---|
| 428 | | - | (D)SocialSecuritynumberordriver’slicensenumber;and |
|---|
| 429 | | - | (E)licenseplatenumberorotheruniqueidentifiersofavehicle |
|---|
| 430 | | - | owned,leased,orregularlyusedbyacoveredperson. |
|---|
| 431 | | - | (15)“Publicdefender”meanstheDefenderGeneral,DeputyDefender |
|---|
| 432 | | - | General,publicdefenders,ordeputypublicdefenderswhoprovidelegal |
|---|
| 433 | | - | servicestopersonsinneedassetforthin13V.S.A.chapter163. |
|---|
| 434 | | - | (b)Nondisclosureofprotectedinformation. |
|---|
| 435 | | - | (1)Acoveredpersonoranauthorizedagentofthecoveredpersonhas |
|---|
| 436 | | - | therightthroughthissectiontosendanoticetoadatabrokerrequestingthat BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 437 | | - | 2025 Page14of29 |
|---|
| 438 | | - | thedatabrokerceasedisclosureorredisclosureofthecoveredperson’s |
|---|
| 439 | | - | protectedinformation. |
|---|
| 440 | | - | (2)Uponadatabrokerreceivingphysicalorelectronicnoticefroma |
|---|
| 441 | | - | coveredperson,oranauthorizedagentofthecoveredperson,requestingthat |
|---|
| 442 | | - | thedatabrokerceasedisclosingorredisclosingprotectedinformationofthe |
|---|
| 443 | | - | coveredperson,thedatabrokershallceasedisclosingtheprotected |
|---|
| 444 | | - | informationnotlaterthan15daysafterreceiptofthenoticeandshallnot |
|---|
| 445 | | - | discloseorredisclosetheprotectedinformationafterthattime. |
|---|
| 446 | | - | (3)Thenoticeassetforthinsubdivision(2)ofthissubsectionshallbe |
|---|
| 447 | | - | inaformprovidedbytheSecretaryofState,exceptthatnopriorverificationof |
|---|
| 448 | | - | acoveredperson’sorauthorizedagent’sstatusshallberequiredforthe |
|---|
| 449 | | - | notice.TheSecretaryofStateshallpublishtheformofnoticenotlaterthan90 |
|---|
| 450 | | - | daysafterJuly1,2025,providedthatuntilsuchformispublished,covered |
|---|
| 451 | | - | personsandtheirauthorizedagentsmayusetheirownformofwrittennotice |
|---|
| 452 | | - | thatreferencesthissection,identifiesthesenderasacoveredpersonoran |
|---|
| 453 | | - | authorizedagentactingonbehalfofacoveredperson,andrequeststhatthe |
|---|
| 454 | | - | databrokerceasedisclosureofthecoveredperson’sprotectedinformation. |
|---|
| 455 | | - | (c)Remedies. |
|---|
| 456 | | - | (1)Adatabrokerthatreceivesanoticefromacoveredpersonorthe |
|---|
| 457 | | - | authorizedagentofthecoveredpersonpursuanttosubdivision(b)(2)ofthis BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 458 | | - | 2025 Page15of29 |
|---|
| 459 | | - | sectionthatdisclosesorredisclosesthecoveredperson’sprotectedinformation |
|---|
| 460 | | - | morethan: |
|---|
| 461 | | - | (A)15daysafterreceivingthenoticeisinviolationofthissection |
|---|
| 462 | | - | andshallbesubjecttoaninjunctioninacivilactionbroughtinSuperior |
|---|
| 463 | | - | Courtbythecoveredpersonorthecoveredperson’sassignee;or |
|---|
| 464 | | - | (B)30daysafterreceivingthenoticeisinviolationofthissection |
|---|
| 465 | | - | andshallbesubjecttothefollowingremediesinacivilactionbroughtin |
|---|
| 466 | | - | SuperiorCourtbythecoveredpersonorthecoveredperson’sassignee: |
|---|
| 467 | | - | (i)damages,calculatedasthegreaterofactualdamagesor |
|---|
| 468 | | - | liquidateddamagescomputedattherateof$1,000.00foreachviolationof |
|---|
| 469 | | - | thissection; |
|---|
| 470 | | - | (ii)punitivedamagesuponproofofwillfulorrecklessdisregardof |
|---|
| 471 | | - | thelaw; |
|---|
| 472 | | - | (iii)reasonableattorney’sfeesandotherlitigationcosts |
|---|
| 473 | | - | reasonablyincurred;and |
|---|
| 474 | | - | (iv)anyotherpreliminaryandequitablereliefasthecourt |
|---|
| 475 | | - | determinestobeappropriate. |
|---|
| 476 | | - | (2)Inanyjudicialproceedingpursuanttosubdivision(1)ofthis |
|---|
| 477 | | - | subsection,thestandardoffaultshallbeordinarynegligence.Itshallnotbea |
|---|
| 478 | | - | defensetoliabilityinajudicialproceedingthatthecoveredperson’sprotected BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 479 | | - | 2025 Page16of29 |
|---|
| 480 | | - | informationisorwasavailabletothepublicfromothersources,onthe |
|---|
| 481 | | - | internetorotherwise,oravailablebyinspectionofpublicrecords. |
|---|
| 482 | | - | (d)Accessinginformation.Acoveredpersonoranauthorizedagent |
|---|
| 483 | | - | accessingadatabroker’swebsiteorotherpublicapplicationforthepurpose |
|---|
| 484 | | - | ofdeterminingwhetherthecoveredperson’sprotectedinformationisbeing |
|---|
| 485 | | - | disclosedshallnot,asaresultofsuchaccess,bedeemedtohaveagreedon |
|---|
| 486 | | - | behalfofthecoveredpersontoanywebsitetermsandconditionswithrespect |
|---|
| 487 | | - | tothecoveredperson’srightsunderthissection. |
|---|
| 488 | | - | (e)Limitations. |
|---|
| 489 | | - | (1)Adisclosureofprotectedinformationshallnotconstituteaviolation |
|---|
| 490 | | - | ofthissectionifthedisclosureis: |
|---|
| 491 | | - | (A)madewiththeexpressauthorizationofthecoveredperson, |
|---|
| 492 | | - | providedthattheauthorizationisprovidedsubsequenttotherelevant |
|---|
| 493 | | - | nondisclosurerequest;or |
|---|
| 494 | | - | (B)forthesolepurposeoffacilitatingatransactioninitiatedbythe |
|---|
| 495 | | - | coveredperson. |
|---|
| 496 | | - | (2)Thissectiondoesnotapplytoadatabrokerinadisclosurepursuant |
|---|
| 497 | | - | tosubdivision(1)ofthissubsection. |
|---|
| 498 | | - | (3)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedasprohibitinganemployer |
|---|
| 499 | | - | fromprovidingemployeeinformationtotheVermontLaborRelationsBoardor |
|---|
| 500 | | - | toemployeeorganizationsthatisrequiredunderVermontlaw. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 501 | | - | 2025 Page17of29 |
|---|
| 502 | | - | (4)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtorequireadatabrokerto |
|---|
| 503 | | - | deleteprotectedinformation. |
|---|
| 504 | | - | Sec.3.DELAYEDSTARTFORCERTAINREMEDIES |
|---|
| 505 | | - | Theremediesprovidedtoacoveredpersonpursuantto9V.S.A. |
|---|
| 506 | | - | § 2448(c)(1)(B)shalltakeeffectonJanuary1,2026. |
|---|
| 507 | | - | Sec.4.EFFECTIVEDATE |
|---|
| 508 | | - | ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025. |
|---|
| 509 | | - | Sec.1.FINDINGSANDPURPOSE |
|---|
| 510 | | - | (a)TheGeneralAssemblyfindsthatVermont’sjudges,prosecutors,law |
|---|
| 511 | | - | enforcementofficers,andotherpublicservantsplayanessentialroleinthe |
|---|
| 512 | | - | functioningofthegovernmentoftheStateofVermontandthatthenatureof |
|---|
| 513 | | - | theirofficialdutiesregularlyplacesthemindangerofdeath,seriousphysical |
|---|
| 514 | | - | injury,andotherreprisalsfrommembersofthepublic. |
|---|
| 515 | | - | (b)Violencetoandintimidationofsuchpublicservantsandtheirfamilies |
|---|
| 516 | | - | isontheriseandpublicaccesstothepersonalinformationoftheseindividuals |
|---|
| 517 | | - | canbeandhasbeenusedtofacilitateviolenceandintimidation.Thepersonal |
|---|
| 518 | | - | informationoftheseindividualsisofnegligiblevaluetothepublicinterestor |
|---|
| 519 | | - | publicdiscourse. |
|---|
| 520 | | - | (c)Accordingly,theprovisionsofthisactarebothnecessaryand |
|---|
| 521 | | - | appropriatetoprotecttheprivacy,safety,andsecurityofpublicservantsand BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 522 | | - | 2025 Page18of29 |
|---|
| 523 | | - | topreventinterferenceintheadministrationofjusticeandtheoperationof |
|---|
| 524 | | - | governmentintheStateofVermont. |
|---|
| 525 | | - | Sec.2.9V.S.A.chapter62isamendedtoread: |
|---|
| 526 | | - | CHAPTER62.PROTECTIONOFPERSONALINFORMATION |
|---|
| 527 | | - | *** |
|---|
| 528 | | - | Subchapter5.DataBrokers |
|---|
| 529 | | - | *** |
|---|
| 530 | | - | § 2448.NONDISCLOSUREOFCERTAINPUBLICSERVANT |
|---|
| 531 | | - | PERSONALINFORMATION |
|---|
| 532 | | - | (a)Definitions.Asusedinthissection: |
|---|
| 533 | | - | (1)“Authorizedagent”meansanyofthefollowingpersonsorentities |
|---|
| 534 | | - | authorizedtosubmitorrevokearequestfortheredactionornondisclosureof |
|---|
| 535 | | - | protectedinformationonbehalfofacoveredpersonandtoengagein |
|---|
| 536 | | - | communicationsandenforcementrelatedtotherequest: |
|---|
| 537 | | - | (A)adesignatedtrusteeorotheragentpursuanttoawrittenpower |
|---|
| 538 | | - | ofattorneyorotherlegalinstrumentonbehalfofanycoveredpersonwhois |
|---|
| 539 | | - | physicallyormentallyincapacitated; |
|---|
| 540 | | - | (B)aparentorlegalguardianonbehalfofanychildwhoisaminor |
|---|
| 541 | | - | andwhoisotherwiseentitledtoaddressredactionornondisclosurepursuant |
|---|
| 542 | | - | tothissection;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 543 | | - | 2025 Page19of29 |
|---|
| 544 | | - | (C)apersonorentitywhohasbeenappointedpursuanttoa |
|---|
| 545 | | - | notarizeddocumentbyacoveredpersontoactforthecoveredpersonforthe |
|---|
| 546 | | - | submissionorrevocationofrequestsforredactionornondisclosureof |
|---|
| 547 | | - | protectedinformation. |
|---|
| 548 | | - | (2)(A)“Coveredperson”meansanyofthefollowingindividualswho |
|---|
| 549 | | - | areeithercurrentlyorformerly: |
|---|
| 550 | | - | (i)ajudge,lawenforcementofficer,federallawenforcement |
|---|
| 551 | | - | officer,prosecutor,publicdefender,paroleandprobationofficer,ormemberof |
|---|
| 552 | | - | theVermontParoleBoard; |
|---|
| 553 | | - | (ii)anemployeeof: |
|---|
| 554 | | - | (I)theFamilyServicesDivisionoftheDepartmentforChildren |
|---|
| 555 | | - | andFamilies; |
|---|
| 556 | | - | (II)theVermontHumanRightsCommission; |
|---|
| 557 | | - | (III)theDepartmentofCorrections; |
|---|
| 558 | | - | (IV)theDepartmentofPublicSafety,includingtheVermont |
|---|
| 559 | | - | StatePolice; |
|---|
| 560 | | - | (V)theDepartmentofState’sAttorneysandSheriffs;or |
|---|
| 561 | | - | (VI)anycourtintheState;and |
|---|
| 562 | | - | (iii)aninvestigator,victimsadvocate,mentalhealthcrisisworker, |
|---|
| 563 | | - | orembeddedcrisisspecialistthatisemployedbyorworksonacontractbasis |
|---|
| 564 | | - | foranyoftheentitieslistedinsubdivision(ii)ofthissubdivision(a)(2)(A). BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 565 | | - | 2025 Page20of29 |
|---|
| 566 | | - | (B)“Coveredperson”alsoincludestheimmediatefamilyof |
|---|
| 567 | | - | individualsidentifiedinsubdivisions(A)(i)–(iii)ofthissubdivision(a)(2). |
|---|
| 568 | | - | (3)“Databroker”hasthesamemeaningassetforthinsection2430of |
|---|
| 569 | | - | thistitle.Asusedinthissection,“databroker”excludesgovernmental |
|---|
| 570 | | - | agenciesandtheirrepresentativesactingintheirofficialcapacities. |
|---|
| 571 | | - | (4)“Disclose,”“disclosing,”or“disclosure”meanstosolicit,sell, |
|---|
| 572 | | - | manufacture,give,provide,lend,trade,mail,deliver,transfer,post,publish, |
|---|
| 573 | | - | distribute,circulate,disseminate,present,exhibit,advertise,offer,orinclude |
|---|
| 574 | | - | withinasearchablelistordatabase,regardlessofwhetheranypersonhas |
|---|
| 575 | | - | actuallysearchedthelistordatabase.“Disclose”doesnotincludean |
|---|
| 576 | | - | organizationmaintainingprotectedinformationcompletelyinaccessibleand |
|---|
| 577 | | - | unviewabletoanypersonoutsideoftheorganization. |
|---|
| 578 | | - | (5)“Federallawenforcementofficer”hasthesamemeaningasin18 |
|---|
| 579 | | - | U.S.C.§ 115(c)(1)butislimitedtothoseindividualswhoworkorresidein |
|---|
| 580 | | - | Vermont. |
|---|
| 581 | | - | (6)“Homeaddress”meansapartialorcompletestreetaddressorother |
|---|
| 582 | | - | informationthatrevealsahome’slocation,includingtaxparcelID,legal |
|---|
| 583 | | - | propertydescription,orgeographiccoordinates. |
|---|
| 584 | | - | (7)“Hometelephonenumber”meansanytelephonenumberused |
|---|
| 585 | | - | primarilyforpersonalcommunications,includingalandlineorcellular |
|---|
| 586 | | - | telephonenumber. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 587 | | - | 2025 Page21of29 |
|---|
| 588 | | - | (8)“Immediatefamily”hasthesamemeaningasin3V.S.A.§1201. |
|---|
| 589 | | - | (9)“Judge”meansanyjustice,judge,ormagistrateofaStatecourtor |
|---|
| 590 | | - | ofafederalcourtlocatedinVermont,oranypersonwhoservesasajudge, |
|---|
| 591 | | - | justice,ormagistrateinanotherstatewhomaintainsahomeaddressin |
|---|
| 592 | | - | Vermont. |
|---|
| 593 | | - | (10)“Lawenforcementofficer”hasthesamemeaningasin20V.S.A. |
|---|
| 594 | | - | § 2351a. |
|---|
| 595 | | - | (11)“Paroleandprobationofficer”means: |
|---|
| 596 | | - | (A)acorrectionsservicesspecialistemployedbytheDepartmentof |
|---|
| 597 | | - | Corrections;or |
|---|
| 598 | | - | (B)aparoleorprobationofficeremployedbyaVermontcountyor |
|---|
| 599 | | - | municipality. |
|---|
| 600 | | - | (12)“Prosecutor”meansaVermontState’sAttorneyorDeputyState’s |
|---|
| 601 | | - | Attorney,theAttorneyGeneraloranAssistantAttorneyGeneral,oraU.S. |
|---|
| 602 | | - | AttorneyoranAssistantU.S.AttorneywhoworksinVermont. |
|---|
| 603 | | - | (13)“Protectedinformation”meansacoveredperson’s: |
|---|
| 604 | | - | (A)homeaddress,includingprimaryresidenceandanysecondary |
|---|
| 605 | | - | residences; |
|---|
| 606 | | - | (B)hometelephonenumber; |
|---|
| 607 | | - | (C)personalemailaddress; |
|---|
| 608 | | - | (D)SocialSecuritynumberordriver’slicensenumber;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 609 | | - | 2025 Page22of29 |
|---|
| 610 | | - | (E)licenseplatenumberorotheruniqueidentifiersofavehicle |
|---|
| 611 | | - | owned,leased,orregularlyusedbyacoveredperson. |
|---|
| 612 | | - | (14)“Publicdefender”meanstheDefenderGeneral,DeputyDefender |
|---|
| 613 | | - | General,publicdefenders,ordeputypublicdefenderswhoprovidelegal |
|---|
| 614 | | - | servicestopersonsinneedassetforthin13V.S.A.chapter163. |
|---|
| 615 | | - | (b)Nondisclosureofprotectedinformation. |
|---|
| 616 | | - | (1)Acoveredpersonoranauthorizedagentofthecoveredpersonhas |
|---|
| 617 | | - | therightthroughthissectiontosendanoticetoadatabrokerrequestingthat |
|---|
| 618 | | - | thedatabrokerceasedisclosureorredisclosureofthecoveredperson’s |
|---|
| 619 | | - | protectedinformation. |
|---|
| 620 | | - | (2)Uponadatabrokerreceivingphysicalorelectronicnoticefroma |
|---|
| 621 | | - | coveredperson,oranauthorizedagentofthecoveredperson,requestingthat |
|---|
| 622 | | - | thedatabrokerceasedisclosingorredisclosingprotectedinformationofthe |
|---|
| 623 | | - | coveredperson,thedatabrokershallceasedisclosingtheprotected |
|---|
| 624 | | - | informationnotlaterthan15daysafterreceiptofthenoticeandshallnot |
|---|
| 625 | | - | discloseorredisclosetheprotectedinformationafterthattime. |
|---|
| 626 | | - | (3)Thenoticeassetforthinsubdivision(2)ofthissubsectionshallbe |
|---|
| 627 | | - | inaformandmannerprovidedbytheAttorneyGeneral,exceptthat: |
|---|
| 628 | | - | (A)thenoticeshallrequirethatthecoveredpersonprovidethe |
|---|
| 629 | | - | coveredperson’sfullnamealongwiththespecificprotectedinformationofthe |
|---|
| 630 | | - | coveredpersonthatisbeingdisclosedbythedatabroker; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 631 | | - | 2025 Page23of29 |
|---|
| 632 | | - | (B)nopriorverificationofacoveredperson’sorauthorizedagent’s |
|---|
| 633 | | - | statusshallberequiredforthenotice;and |
|---|
| 634 | | - | (C)thenoticeshallincludeadisclaimerthatceasingdisclosureofa |
|---|
| 635 | | - | coveredperson’sprotectedinformationmay: |
|---|
| 636 | | - | (i)complicatecertainbusinesstransactions;and |
|---|
| 637 | | - | (ii)notresultinthecoveredperson’sprotectedinformationbeing |
|---|
| 638 | | - | totallyremovedfromtheinternet. |
|---|
| 639 | | - | (c)Penaltiesforviolations. |
|---|
| 640 | | - | (1)AttorneyGeneralenforcement. |
|---|
| 641 | | - | (A)Adatabrokerthatreceivesanoticefromacoveredpersonorthe |
|---|
| 642 | | - | authorizedagentofthecoveredpersonpursuanttosubdivision(b)(2)ofthis |
|---|
| 643 | | - | sectionthatdisclosesorredisclosesthecoveredperson’sprotectedinformation |
|---|
| 644 | | - | morethan15daysafterreceivingthenoticeisinviolationofthissectionand |
|---|
| 645 | | - | shallbeassessedacivilpenaltyofnotmorethan$10,000.00foreach |
|---|
| 646 | | - | violation. |
|---|
| 647 | | - | (B)TheAttorneyGeneralhasthesameauthoritytoadoptrulesto |
|---|
| 648 | | - | implementtheprovisionsofthissectionandtoconductcivilinvestigations, |
|---|
| 649 | | - | enterintoassurancesofdiscontinuance,bringcivilactions,andtakeother |
|---|
| 650 | | - | enforcementactionsasprovidedunderchapter63,subchapter1ofthistitle. |
|---|
| 651 | | - | (C)TheAttorneyGeneralshallcreateaformonitswebsitewherea |
|---|
| 652 | | - | coveredpersonoranauthorizedagentofthecoveredpersonisabletoprovide BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 653 | | - | 2025 Page24of29 |
|---|
| 654 | | - | noticetotheAttorneyGeneralthatmorethan15dayshavepassedsincethe |
|---|
| 655 | | - | coveredpersonoranauthorizedagentofthecoveredpersonsubmitteda |
|---|
| 656 | | - | noticetoadatabrokerpursuanttosubdivision(b)(2)ofthissectionandthat |
|---|
| 657 | | - | thedatabrokercontinuestodiscloseorhasredisclosedthecoveredperson’s |
|---|
| 658 | | - | protectedinformation.Thisformshallrequire,atminimum,thatthecovered |
|---|
| 659 | | - | personprovidethenameofthe: |
|---|
| 660 | | - | (i)databroker;and |
|---|
| 661 | | - | (ii)coveredpersonandthespecificprotectedinformationofthe |
|---|
| 662 | | - | coveredpersonthatisbeingdisclosedbythedatabroker. |
|---|
| 663 | | - | (2)Privateaction. |
|---|
| 664 | | - | (A)Subjecttotherequirementsinsubdivision(B)ofthissubdivision |
|---|
| 665 | | - | (2),adatabrokerthatreceivesanoticefromacoveredpersonorthe |
|---|
| 666 | | - | authorizedagentofthecoveredpersonpursuanttosubdivision(b)(2)ofthis |
|---|
| 667 | | - | sectionandthatdisclosesorredisclosesthecoveredperson’sprotected |
|---|
| 668 | | - | informationmorethan15daysafterreceivingthenoticeisinviolationofthis |
|---|
| 669 | | - | sectionandissubjecttoacivilactionbroughtinSuperiorCourtbythe |
|---|
| 670 | | - | coveredpersonforthefollowing: |
|---|
| 671 | | - | (i)damages,calculatedasthegreaterofactualdamagesor |
|---|
| 672 | | - | liquidateddamagescomputedattherateof$1,000.00foreachviolationof |
|---|
| 673 | | - | thissection; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 674 | | - | 2025 Page25of29 |
|---|
| 675 | | - | (ii)punitivedamagesuponproofofwillfulorrecklessdisregardof |
|---|
| 676 | | - | thelaw; |
|---|
| 677 | | - | (iii)reasonableattorney’sfeesandotherlitigationcosts |
|---|
| 678 | | - | reasonablyincurred;and |
|---|
| 679 | | - | (iv)anyotherpreliminaryandequitablereliefasthecourt |
|---|
| 680 | | - | determinestobeappropriate. |
|---|
| 681 | | - | (B)Adatabrokerthatceasesdisclosingtheprotectedinformationof |
|---|
| 682 | | - | acoveredpersonnotmorethan15daysafterbeingservedwithprocessina |
|---|
| 683 | | - | civilsuitbroughtbythecoveredpersonpursuanttosubdivision(A)ofthis |
|---|
| 684 | | - | subdivision(2)shallonlybeliabletothecoveredpersonforreasonable |
|---|
| 685 | | - | attorney’sfeesandcourtcostsinthecivilaction.Adatabrokerisnoteligible |
|---|
| 686 | | - | fortheexceptionprovidedthissubdivision(B)ifthedatabroker: |
|---|
| 687 | | - | (i)morethan15daysafterreceivingnoticefromacoveredperson |
|---|
| 688 | | - | ortheauthorizedagentofacoveredpersonpursuanttosubdivision(b)(2)of |
|---|
| 689 | | - | thissectiondisclosesadditionalprotectedinformationofthecoveredperson; |
|---|
| 690 | | - | or |
|---|
| 691 | | - | (ii)redisclosesprotectedinformationofthecoveredpersonafter |
|---|
| 692 | | - | havingreceivednoticepursuanttosubdivision(b)(2)ofthissection. |
|---|
| 693 | | - | (3)Standardoffault.Inanyjudicialproceedingpursuanttothis |
|---|
| 694 | | - | section,thestandardoffaultshallbeordinarynegligence.Itshallnotbea |
|---|
| 695 | | - | defensetoliabilityinajudicialproceedingthatthecoveredperson’sprotected BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 696 | | - | 2025 Page26of29 |
|---|
| 697 | | - | informationisorwasavailabletothepublicfromothersources,onthe |
|---|
| 698 | | - | internetorotherwise,oravailablebyinspectionofpublicrecords. |
|---|
| 699 | | - | (d)Accessinginformation.Acoveredpersonoranauthorizedagent |
|---|
| 700 | | - | accessingadatabroker’swebsiteorotherpublicapplicationforthepurpose |
|---|
| 701 | | - | ofdeterminingwhetherthecoveredperson’sprotectedinformationisbeing |
|---|
| 702 | | - | disclosedshallnot,asaresultofsuchaccess,bedeemedtohaveagreedon |
|---|
| 703 | | - | behalfofthecoveredpersontoanywebsitetermsandconditionswithrespect |
|---|
| 704 | | - | tothecoveredperson’srightsunderthissection. |
|---|
| 705 | | - | (e)Limitations. |
|---|
| 706 | | - | (1)Adisclosureofprotectedinformationshallnotconstituteaviolation |
|---|
| 707 | | - | ofthissectionifthedisclosureis: |
|---|
| 708 | | - | (A)madewiththeexpressorstandingauthorizationofthecovered |
|---|
| 709 | | - | person,providedthattheauthorizationisprovidedsubsequenttotherelevant |
|---|
| 710 | | - | nondisclosurerequest;or |
|---|
| 711 | | - | (B)forthesolepurposeoffacilitatingatransactioninitiatedbythe |
|---|
| 712 | | - | coveredperson. |
|---|
| 713 | | - | (2)Thissectiondoesnotapplytoadatabrokerinadisclosurepursuant |
|---|
| 714 | | - | tosubdivision(1)ofthissubsection. |
|---|
| 715 | | - | (3)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedasprohibitinganemployer |
|---|
| 716 | | - | fromprovidingemployeeinformationtotheVermontLaborRelationsBoardor |
|---|
| 717 | | - | toemployeeorganizationsthatisrequiredunderVermontlaw. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 718 | | - | 2025 Page27of29 |
|---|
| 719 | | - | (4)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtorequireadatabrokerto |
|---|
| 720 | | - | deleteprotectedinformation. |
|---|
| 721 | | - | Sec.3.FORMOFNOTICE |
|---|
| 722 | | - | TheAttorneyGeneralshallpublishtheformofnoticepursuantto9V.S.A. |
|---|
| 723 | | - | § 2448(b)(3)notlaterthan90daysafterJuly1,2025,providedthatuntilsuch |
|---|
| 724 | | - | formispublished,coveredpersonsandtheirauthorizedagentsmayusetheir |
|---|
| 725 | | - | ownformofwrittennoticethat: |
|---|
| 726 | | - | (1)referencesthissection; |
|---|
| 727 | | - | (2)identifiesthesenderasacoveredpersonoranauthorizedagent |
|---|
| 728 | | - | actingonbehalfofacoveredperson; |
|---|
| 729 | | - | (3)providesthecoveredperson’sfullnamealongwiththespecific |
|---|
| 730 | | - | protectedinformationofthecoveredpersonthatisbeingdisclosedbythedata |
|---|
| 731 | | - | broker;and |
|---|
| 732 | | - | (4)requeststhatthedatabrokerceasedisclosingthespecificprotected |
|---|
| 733 | | - | informationofthecoveredperson. |
|---|
| 734 | | - | Sec.4.STUDYANDREPORTONPUBLICAGENCYCOMPLIANCE |
|---|
| 735 | | - | (a)Study.TheAgencyofDigitalServices,inconsultationwiththeAgency |
|---|
| 736 | | - | ofAdministration,theOfficeoftheSecretaryofState,theOfficeofthe |
|---|
| 737 | | - | AttorneyGeneral,andwithotherStateagenciesasrequestedbytheAgency, |
|---|
| 738 | | - | shallconductastudytodeterminethevariousconsiderationsandimpactson |
|---|
| 739 | | - | Statepublicagenciesifpublicagencieswererequiredtoconformtothe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 740 | | - | 2025 Page28of29 |
|---|
| 741 | | - | disclosurepoliciessetforthinthisact.TheAgencyshallmeetwithand |
|---|
| 742 | | - | receiveinputfromrelevantstakeholdersinconductingitsstudy,includingthe |
|---|
| 743 | | - | VermontLeagueofCitiesandTownsandtheVermontMunicipalClerks’and |
|---|
| 744 | | - | Treasurers’Association.TheAgencyshallconsiderthefollowinginitsstudy: |
|---|
| 745 | | - | (1)ifpublicagencieswererequiredtoceasedisclosingtheprotected |
|---|
| 746 | | - | informationofcoveredpersons: |
|---|
| 747 | | - | (A)theextenttowhichpublicagencieswouldcurrentlybeableto |
|---|
| 748 | | - | accommodatetheserequests; |
|---|
| 749 | | - | (B)thefiscalandresourceimpactonpublicagencies; |
|---|
| 750 | | - | (C)whetheradditionalstaffingortrainingwouldbeneededto |
|---|
| 751 | | - | comply; |
|---|
| 752 | | - | (D)thedegreetowhichriskcanbemitigatedthroughStateorlocal |
|---|
| 753 | | - | policy;and |
|---|
| 754 | | - | (E)determiningwhichstatutes,regulations,andadministrative |
|---|
| 755 | | - | policiesrequireamendinginordertoaccomplishthegoalofpublicagencies |
|---|
| 756 | | - | beingabletoceasethedisclosureofprotectedinformationofcoveredpersons; |
|---|
| 757 | | - | (2)howotherstateshaveimplementedsimilarrequirementsontheir |
|---|
| 758 | | - | publicagencies,includingthetypesofpenaltiesleviedfornoncompliance; |
|---|
| 759 | | - | (3)thefeasibilityofcreatingaStateofficetomanageallstatewide |
|---|
| 760 | | - | requeststoceasedisclosingprotectedinformation;and |
|---|
| 761 | | - | (4)anyadditionalrelatedareasofstudyasdeterminedbytheAgency. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.342 |
|---|
| 762 | | - | 2025 Page29of29 |
|---|
| 763 | | - | (b)Report.OnorbeforeDecember1,2026,theAgencyofDigitalServices |
|---|
| 764 | | - | shallsubmitawrittenreporttotheHouseCommitteeonGovernment |
|---|
| 765 | | - | OperationsandMilitaryAffairsandtheSenateCommitteeonGovernment |
|---|
| 766 | | - | Operationswithasummaryofitsfindingspursuanttothestudysetforthin |
|---|
| 767 | | - | subsection(a)ofthissection.TheAgencyshallalsoincludeinitsreportits |
|---|
| 768 | | - | recommendationsforlegislativeactionandpolicymodificationaswellasa |
|---|
| 769 | | - | suggestedtimelinefortheimplementationofthedisclosurepoliciesonpublic |
|---|
| 770 | | - | agencies. |
|---|
| 771 | | - | Sec.5.DELAYEDSTARTFORPRIVATEACTION |
|---|
| 772 | | - | Theprivateactionprovidedtoacoveredpersonpursuantto9V.S.A. |
|---|
| 773 | | - | § 2448(c)(2)shalltakeeffectonJanuary1,2026. |
|---|
| 774 | | - | Sec.6.EFFECTIVEDATE |
|---|
| 775 | | - | ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025. |
|---|
| 1 | + | BILL AS INTRODUCED H.342 |
|---|
| 2 | + | 2025 Page 1 of 8 |
|---|
| 3 | + | |
|---|
| 4 | + | |
|---|
| 5 | + | VT LEG #380477 v.1 |
|---|
| 6 | + | H.342 1 |
|---|
| 7 | + | Introduced by Representatives Priestley of Bradford, Casey of Montpelier, 2 |
|---|
| 8 | + | Coffin of Cavendish, Headrick of Burlington, Howard of 3 |
|---|
| 9 | + | Rutland City, Mrowicki of Putney, Nugent of South Burlington, 4 |
|---|
| 10 | + | and White of Bethel 5 |
|---|
| 11 | + | Referred to Committee on 6 |
|---|
| 12 | + | Date: 7 |
|---|
| 13 | + | Subject: Commerce and trade; protection of personal information; public 8 |
|---|
| 14 | + | servants 9 |
|---|
| 15 | + | Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to require data 10 |
|---|
| 16 | + | brokers to stop disclosing the protected personal information of certain public 11 |
|---|
| 17 | + | servants upon receiving a notice to stop disclosing the protected information. 12 |
|---|
| 18 | + | An act relating to protecting the personal information of certain public 13 |
|---|
| 19 | + | servants 14 |
|---|
| 20 | + | It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 15 |
|---|
| 21 | + | Sec. 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE 16 |
|---|
| 22 | + | (a) The General Assembly finds that Vermont’s judges, prosecutors, law 17 |
|---|
| 23 | + | enforcement officers, and other public servants play an essential role in the 18 |
|---|
| 24 | + | functioning of the government of the State of Vermont and that the nature of 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.342 |
|---|
| 25 | + | 2025 Page 2 of 8 |
|---|
| 26 | + | |
|---|
| 27 | + | |
|---|
| 28 | + | VT LEG #380477 v.1 |
|---|
| 29 | + | their official duties regularly places them in danger of death, serious physical 1 |
|---|
| 30 | + | injury, and other reprisals from members of the public. 2 |
|---|
| 31 | + | (b) Violence to and intimidation of such public servants and their families 3 |
|---|
| 32 | + | is on the rise and public access to the personal information of these individuals 4 |
|---|
| 33 | + | can be and has been used to facilitate violence and intimidation. The personal 5 |
|---|
| 34 | + | information of these individuals is of negligible value to the public interest or 6 |
|---|
| 35 | + | public discourse. 7 |
|---|
| 36 | + | (c) Accordingly, the provisions of this act are both necessary and 8 |
|---|
| 37 | + | appropriate to protect the privacy, safety, and security of public servants and to 9 |
|---|
| 38 | + | prevent interference in the administration of justice and the operation of 10 |
|---|
| 39 | + | government in the State of Vermont. 11 |
|---|
| 40 | + | Sec. 2. 9 V.S.A. chapter 62 is amended to read: 12 |
|---|
| 41 | + | CHAPTER 62. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION 13 |
|---|
| 42 | + | * * * 14 |
|---|
| 43 | + | Subchapter 5. Data Brokers 15 |
|---|
| 44 | + | * * * 16 |
|---|
| 45 | + | § 2448. NONDISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN PUBLIC SERVANT 17 |
|---|
| 46 | + | PERSONAL INFORMATION 18 |
|---|
| 47 | + | (a) Definitions. As used in this section: 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.342 |
|---|
| 48 | + | 2025 Page 3 of 8 |
|---|
| 49 | + | |
|---|
| 50 | + | |
|---|
| 51 | + | VT LEG #380477 v.1 |
|---|
| 52 | + | (1) “Assignee” means a person or entity to whom a covered person’s 1 |
|---|
| 53 | + | right to bring a civil action for a violation of this section has been assigned by 2 |
|---|
| 54 | + | the covered person or their authorized agent. 3 |
|---|
| 55 | + | (2) “Authorized agent” means any of the following persons or entities 4 |
|---|
| 56 | + | authorized to submit or revoke a request for the redaction or nondisclosure of 5 |
|---|
| 57 | + | protected information on behalf of a covered person and to engage in 6 |
|---|
| 58 | + | communications and enforcement related to the request: 7 |
|---|
| 59 | + | (A) a designated trustee or other agent pursuant to a written power of 8 |
|---|
| 60 | + | attorney or other legal instrument on behalf of any covered person who is 9 |
|---|
| 61 | + | physically or mentally incapacitated; 10 |
|---|
| 62 | + | (B) a parent or legal guardian on behalf of any child who is a minor 11 |
|---|
| 63 | + | and who is otherwise entitled to address redaction or nondisclosure pursuant to 12 |
|---|
| 64 | + | this section; and 13 |
|---|
| 65 | + | (C) a person or entity who has been appointed pursuant to a notarized 14 |
|---|
| 66 | + | document by a covered person to act for the covered person for the submission 15 |
|---|
| 67 | + | or revocation of requests for redaction or nondisclosure of protected 16 |
|---|
| 68 | + | information. 17 |
|---|
| 69 | + | (3) “Covered person” means any of the following individuals: 18 |
|---|
| 70 | + | (A) active or former judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, 19 |
|---|
| 71 | + | public defenders, parole and probation officers, municipal employees, and 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.342 |
|---|
| 72 | + | 2025 Page 4 of 8 |
|---|
| 73 | + | |
|---|
| 74 | + | |
|---|
| 75 | + | VT LEG #380477 v.1 |
|---|
| 76 | + | employees of the Family Services Division of the Department for Children and 1 |
|---|
| 77 | + | Families; and 2 |
|---|
| 78 | + | (B) the immediate family of individuals identified in subdivision (A) 3 |
|---|
| 79 | + | of this subdivision (3). 4 |
|---|
| 80 | + | (4) “Data broker” has the same meaning as set forth in section 2430 of 5 |
|---|
| 81 | + | this title. “Data broker” as used in this section shall exclude governmental 6 |
|---|
| 82 | + | agencies and their representatives acting in their official capacities. 7 |
|---|
| 83 | + | (5) “Disclose” or “disclosing” means to solicit, sell, manufacture, give, 8 |
|---|
| 84 | + | provide, lend, trade, mail, deliver, transfer, post, publish, distribute, circulate, 9 |
|---|
| 85 | + | disseminate, present, exhibit, advertise, offer, or include within a searchable 10 |
|---|
| 86 | + | list or database, regardless of whether any person has actually searched the list 11 |
|---|
| 87 | + | or database. 12 |
|---|
| 88 | + | (6) “Home address” means a partial or complete street address or other 13 |
|---|
| 89 | + | information that reveals a home’s location, including tax parcel ID, legal 14 |
|---|
| 90 | + | property description, or geographic coordinates. 15 |
|---|
| 91 | + | (7) “Home telephone number” means any telephone number used 16 |
|---|
| 92 | + | primarily for personal communications, including a landline or cellular 17 |
|---|
| 93 | + | telephone number. 18 |
|---|
| 94 | + | (8) “Immediate family” has the same meaning as in 3 V.S.A. § 1201. 19 |
|---|
| 95 | + | (9) “Judge” means any justice, judge, or magistrate of the Vermont 20 |
|---|
| 96 | + | Supreme Court, Superior Court, or Vermont Judicial Bureau, and any judge or 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.342 |
|---|
| 97 | + | 2025 Page 5 of 8 |
|---|
| 98 | + | |
|---|
| 99 | + | |
|---|
| 100 | + | VT LEG #380477 v.1 |
|---|
| 101 | + | magistrate of a federal court located in Vermont, or any person who serves as a 1 |
|---|
| 102 | + | judge, justice, or magistrate in another state who maintains a home address in 2 |
|---|
| 103 | + | Vermont. 3 |
|---|
| 104 | + | (10) “Law enforcement officer” has the same meaning as in 20 V.S.A. 4 |
|---|
| 105 | + | § 2351a. 5 |
|---|
| 106 | + | (11) “Municipal employee” has the same meaning as in 21 V.S.A. 6 |
|---|
| 107 | + | § 1722. 7 |
|---|
| 108 | + | (12) “Parole and probation officer” means a corrections services 8 |
|---|
| 109 | + | specialist employed by the Department of Corrections or a parole or probation 9 |
|---|
| 110 | + | officer employed by a Vermont county or municipality. 10 |
|---|
| 111 | + | (13) “Prosecutor” means a Vermont State’s Attorney or Deputy State’s 11 |
|---|
| 112 | + | Attorney, or a U.S. Attorney or an Assistant U.S. Attorney. 12 |
|---|
| 113 | + | (14) “Protected information” means a covered person’s: 13 |
|---|
| 114 | + | (A) home address, including primary residence and any secondary 14 |
|---|
| 115 | + | residences; 15 |
|---|
| 116 | + | (B) home telephone number; 16 |
|---|
| 117 | + | (C) personal email address; 17 |
|---|
| 118 | + | (D) Social Security number or driver’s license number; and 18 |
|---|
| 119 | + | (E) license plate number or other unique identifiers of a vehicle 19 |
|---|
| 120 | + | owned, leased, or regularly used by a covered person. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.342 |
|---|
| 121 | + | 2025 Page 6 of 8 |
|---|
| 122 | + | |
|---|
| 123 | + | |
|---|
| 124 | + | VT LEG #380477 v.1 |
|---|
| 125 | + | (15) “Public defender” means the Defender General, Deputy Defender 1 |
|---|
| 126 | + | General, public defenders, or deputy public defenders that provide legal 2 |
|---|
| 127 | + | services to persons in need as set forth in 13 V.S.A. chapter 163. 3 |
|---|
| 128 | + | (b) Nondisclosure of protected information. 4 |
|---|
| 129 | + | (1) A covered person or an authorized agent of the covered person has 5 |
|---|
| 130 | + | the right through this section to send a notice to a data broker requesting that 6 |
|---|
| 131 | + | the data broker cease disclosure or redisclosure of the covered person’s 7 |
|---|
| 132 | + | protected information. 8 |
|---|
| 133 | + | (2) Upon a data broker receiving physical or electronic notice from a 9 |
|---|
| 134 | + | covered person, or an authorized agent of the covered person, requesting that 10 |
|---|
| 135 | + | the data broker cease disclosing or redisclosing protected information of the 11 |
|---|
| 136 | + | covered person, the data broker shall cease disclosing the protected 12 |
|---|
| 137 | + | information not later than 10 days after receipt of the notice and shall not 13 |
|---|
| 138 | + | disclose or redisclose the protected information after that time. 14 |
|---|
| 139 | + | (3) The notice as set forth in subdivision (2) of this subsection shall be 15 |
|---|
| 140 | + | in a form provided by the Secretary of State, except that no prior verification of 16 |
|---|
| 141 | + | a covered person’s or authorized agent’s status shall be required for the notice. 17 |
|---|
| 142 | + | The Secretary of State shall publish the form of notice not later than 90 days 18 |
|---|
| 143 | + | after July 1, 2025, provided that until such form is published, covered persons 19 |
|---|
| 144 | + | and their authorized agents may use their own form of written notice that 20 |
|---|
| 145 | + | references this section, identifies the sender as a covered person or an 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.342 |
|---|
| 146 | + | 2025 Page 7 of 8 |
|---|
| 147 | + | |
|---|
| 148 | + | |
|---|
| 149 | + | VT LEG #380477 v.1 |
|---|
| 150 | + | authorized agent acting on behalf of a covered person, and requests that the 1 |
|---|
| 151 | + | data broker cease disclosure of the covered person’s protected information. 2 |
|---|
| 152 | + | (4) A data broker that receives a notice from a covered person or the 3 |
|---|
| 153 | + | authorized agent of the covered person pursuant to subdivision (2) of this 4 |
|---|
| 154 | + | subsection that discloses or rediscloses the covered person’s protected 5 |
|---|
| 155 | + | information more than 10 business days after receiving the notice is in 6 |
|---|
| 156 | + | violation of this section and shall be subject to the following penalties in a civil 7 |
|---|
| 157 | + | action brought in Superior Court by the covered person or the covered person’s 8 |
|---|
| 158 | + | assignee: 9 |
|---|
| 159 | + | (A) damages, calculated as the greater of actual damages or 10 |
|---|
| 160 | + | liquidated damages computed at the rate of $1,000.00 for each violation of this 11 |
|---|
| 161 | + | section; 12 |
|---|
| 162 | + | (B) punitive damages upon proof of willful or reckless disregard of 13 |
|---|
| 163 | + | the law; 14 |
|---|
| 164 | + | (C) reasonable attorney’s fees and other litigation costs reasonably 15 |
|---|
| 165 | + | incurred; and 16 |
|---|
| 166 | + | (D) any other preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines 17 |
|---|
| 167 | + | to be appropriate. 18 |
|---|
| 168 | + | (5) In any judicial proceeding pursuant to subdivision (4) of this 19 |
|---|
| 169 | + | subsection, the standard of fault shall be ordinary negligence. It shall not be a 20 |
|---|
| 170 | + | defense to liability in a judicial proceeding that the covered person’s protected 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED H.342 |
|---|
| 171 | + | 2025 Page 8 of 8 |
|---|
| 172 | + | |
|---|
| 173 | + | |
|---|
| 174 | + | VT LEG #380477 v.1 |
|---|
| 175 | + | information is or was available to the public from other sources, on the internet 1 |
|---|
| 176 | + | or otherwise, or available by inspection of public records. 2 |
|---|
| 177 | + | (6) A covered person or an authorized agent accessing a data broker’s 3 |
|---|
| 178 | + | website or other public application for the purpose of determining whether the 4 |
|---|
| 179 | + | covered person’s protected information is being disclosed shall not, as a result 5 |
|---|
| 180 | + | of such access, be deemed to have agreed on behalf of the covered person to 6 |
|---|
| 181 | + | any website terms and conditions with respect to the covered person’s rights 7 |
|---|
| 182 | + | under this section. 8 |
|---|
| 183 | + | (7) A disclosure of protected information shall not constitute a violation 9 |
|---|
| 184 | + | of this section if the disclosure: 10 |
|---|
| 185 | + | (A) is made with the express authorization of the covered person, 11 |
|---|
| 186 | + | provided that the authorization is provided subsequent to the relevant 12 |
|---|
| 187 | + | nondisclosure request; or 13 |
|---|
| 188 | + | (B) is for the sole purpose of facilitating a transaction initiated by the 14 |
|---|
| 189 | + | covered person. 15 |
|---|
| 190 | + | Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 16 |
|---|
| 191 | + | This act shall take effect on July 1, 2025. 17 |
|---|