Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988
Latest action (1 Aug 1988): Passed House (Amended) by Voice Vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 4699, titled the "Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988," was introduced in the 100th Congress on May 26, 1988, by Rep. Glenn English (D-OK). Based on its title, the bill appears to have been intended to address privacy protections related to the government's use of computer matching—the practice of comparing records across databases—though the full legislative text is not currently available, and this summary cannot describe specific provisions, definitions, or requirements the bill would have established.
The bill was categorized under civil rights and liberties and minority issues, suggesting its subject matter concerned how individuals' personal information, held in government or other databases, would be handled or protected when agencies compared records electronically. Without the bill's text, it is not possible to specify which agencies, programs, or categories of individuals would have been affected, or what obligations or protections would have applied.
The House passed the bill, as amended, by voice vote on August 1, 1988. According to the official summary, however, the bill was never taken up and passed by the Senate, meaning it did not become law during that congressional session. As this bill originates from a prior Congress and did not complete the legislative process, there is no pending next step; enactment of similar provisions, if any, would have required separate future legislative action.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
(Measure passed House, amended) Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 - Requires Federal agencies to enter into written agreements with other agencies or non-Federal entities before disclosing records for use in computer matching programs. Specifies areas to be addressed in such agreements, including justification for matching, notifying individuals (including Federal employees) whose records are to be matched, procedures for retention and destruction of data after matching, and prohibitions on disclosure of records and the compilation of data. Requires a copy of each agreement to be transmitted to specified congressional committees and available to the public upon request. Prohibits an agency from terminating, suspending, reducing, or making final denial of financial assistance to any individual, or to take any other adverse action against such individual, as a result of information produced by the programs until the agency has verified such information. Provides individuals an opportunity to refute such information. Requires agencies to publish in the Federal Register notice of the establishment or the revision of such programs. Requires agencies to provide notice to the Congress and the Office of Management and Budget of any proposal to establish or alter such programs. Requires each agency to establish a Data Integrity Board to oversee and coordinate the implementation of this Act. Prohibits a Board from approving any written agreement for a matching program unless the agency demonstrates that the proposed program is cost effective through a cost-benefit analysis. Authorizes a Board to waive the requirements for such analysis. Sets forth a process for appeal to the Director of Management and Budget of matching agreements that are disapproved. Requires the Director to report to the Congress on information obtained from reports from the various Boards. Defines "matching program" as the computerized comparison of: (1) two or more automated systems of records with a set of non-Federal records; or (2) two or more automated Federal personnel or payroll systems of records or a system of Federal personnel or payroll records with a set of non-Federal records. Excludes certain tax refund offset programs from such definition. Requires the Director to provide guidelines, regulations, assistance, and oversight regarding the implementation of this Act. Requires the Office of the Federal Register biennially (currently, annually) to publish rules promulgated and agency notices on records maintained on individuals. Changes the annual report of the President on such information to a biennial report.
Timeline
1 Aug 1988
Passed House (Amended) by Voice Vote.
9 Jun 1988
Ordered to be Reported.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4699 do?
- H.R. 4699, titled the "Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988," was introduced in the 100th Congress on May 26, 1988, by Rep. Glenn English (D-OK). Based on its title, the bill appears to have been intended to address privacy protections related to the government's use of computer matching—the practice of comparing records across databases—though the full legislative text is not currently available, and this summary cannot describe specific provisions, definitions, or requirements the bill would have established. The bill was categorized under civil rights and liberties and minority issues, suggesting its subject matter concerned how individuals' personal information, held in government or other databases, would be handled or protected when agencies compared records electronically. Without the bill's text, it is not possible to specify which agencies, programs, or categories of individuals would have been affected, or what obligations or protections would have applied. The House passed the bill, as amended, by voice vote on August 1, 1988. According to the official summary, however, the bill was never taken up and passed by the Senate, meaning it did not become law during that congressional session. As this bill originates from a prior Congress and did not complete the legislative process, there is no pending next step; enactment of similar provisions, if any, would have required separate future legislative action.
- Has H.R. 4699 become law?
- Not yet. As of 1 Aug 1988, H.R. 4699 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 4699?
- H.R. 4699 was sponsored by Rep. Glenn English [D-OK6, 1975-1994] (Democrat-OK), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4699?
- Passed House (Amended) by Voice Vote. (1 Aug 1988).
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