Panel advances bill limiting state data sharing, broadening protected personal information

House Bill 11‑61 was presented to the Subcommittee on Procurement and Open Government by Delegate Tran as a measure to modernize Virginia law on government data sharing and privacy.

The sponsor said federal demands for state-held personal data have escalated and that once data is released "you can't unring that bell." The bill would permit state and local governments to release protected personal information only to: comply with state or federal law; administer state or federal programs; comply with a subpoena or court order; meet contractual obligations under the Virginia Public Procurement Act; or when an individual gives consent. It also expands the types of data defined as protected personal information and establishes a civil penalty of $500 for willful and knowing violations by public officials or employees, with penalties paid into the state literacy fund.

Supporters included Majesta Dorelinini of the Legal Aid Justice Center and Tram Nguyen of New Virginia Majority, both of whom urged passage to protect constituent privacy. Chris Kiser of the ACLU of Virginia described it as a "smart, forward looking safeguard" and highlighted the need to cover evolving data types such as audio, visual and biometric information.

The subcommittee voted to report HB 11‑61 on a roll call of 6–3. The bill will advance to the next stage for further consideration and any fiscal analysis.

Supporters said the bill balances program operation with privacy protections; opponents raised questions about specific definitions and implementation details that will likely be addressed in later committee review.