Senate passes statewide data-exchange compact amendment clarifying agency ownership of shared data

Senate Bill 233, introduced from the Department of Health and presented on April 13 by Senator Mizell, would establish a statewide data exchange compact intended to allow agencies to share data in a privacy-compliant way through the Office of Information Systems.

Senator Mizell described the bill as "a straightforward attempt" to create guardrails while allowing agencies to obtain needed data more efficiently. He offered an amendment (set number 1968) to clarify that an agency participating in the compact retains ownership rights to any data it shares. The amendment was adopted without objection.

After the amendment, Mizell asked for final passage; the clerk recorded the vote as 36 yeas and 1 nay and the bill was reported passed. The sponsor said the bill balances data‑sharing needs with agency ownership and privacy compliance; implementation will require Office of Information Systems processes and agency coordination.

The amendment and sponsor comments indicate the Legislature intended to preserve agency control over data even as it seeks efficiency through a compact and centralized processes.