Another VCDPA Amendment Filed

Add another VCDPA amendment bill to the list of bills being considered by the Virginia legislature. On January 20, 2022, Delegate Webert introduced HB 1259. The bill would amend and restrict the definition of "sensitive data" by adding a new sentence to the first category:

"Sensitive data" means a category of personal data that includes:

1. Personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, mental or physical health diagnosis, sexual orientation, or citizenship or immigration status. However, such data shall only be considered "sensitive data" when used to make a decision that results in legal or similarly significant effects concerning a consumer;

2. The processing of genetic or biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person;

3. The personal data collected from a known child; or

4. Precise geolocation data.

HB 1259 joins seven other bills that were proposed last week. The bill is currently pending committee referral.

It remains to be seen whether other amendments will be offered as the legislative session advances. The Virginia legislature is scheduled to close on March 12, 2022 unless the session is extended.