Wisconsin Senate Bill SB369

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/9/25
• Refer: 7/9/25

Caption

Prohibiting the state from sharing data with the federal government that contains personally identifiable information if the data is not first masked or otherwise anonymized and authorizing a civil cause of action for negligent violations of that prohibition. (FE)

Impact

Should SB369 be enacted, it would significantly alter how the state handles data sharing protocols, particularly concerning interactions with the federal government. By mandating that personally identifiable information must be anonymized, the bill promotes more stringent data protection measures that could instill greater confidence among residents regarding how their data is managed. This change could potentially shift the dynamics of data governance and limit the scope of data that states can share in compliance with federal regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 369 aims to enhance data privacy by prohibiting the state from sharing data containing personally identifiable information with the federal government unless the data is first masked or anonymized. The bill seeks to protect the privacy of individuals by ensuring their personal information is not disclosed without adequate safeguards in place. This move reflects growing concerns over data security and the need for robust privacy protections amidst increasing government data collection efforts.

Contention

The implementation of SB369 could evoke contention between advocates for privacy rights and those concerned about federal compliance and law enforcement effectiveness. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard citizen data from misuse, while detractors may express concerns that stringent anonymization requirements could hinder law enforcement's access to vital information under certain circumstances. The potential for civil action against negligent violations of this prohibition introduces additional complexities in enforcement and compliance for state agencies.