Personal Data Privacy Act of 1999
Latest action (29 Jul 1999): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 2644, the Personal Data Privacy Act of 1999, would generally prohibit federal, state, and local government agencies and private entities from transferring, selling, or disclosing an individual's personal data to another agency or entity without that individual's express consent. Exceptions would apply for government transfers made for national security, law enforcement, or industry-regulation purposes. The bill defines "personal data" broadly to include items such as a person's name, address, Social Security number, medical records, driver's license or passport number, school and taxpayer identification numbers, internet address, and credit card or other account information.
The bill would also require agencies and private entities to give individuals access to their own personal data within five business days of a request, and to provide each individual an annual report listing personal data collected about them in the prior year. It affects essentially anyone whose personal information is held by government bodies or businesses, giving individuals new consent, access, and reporting rights. Individuals harmed by violations could sue in federal district court.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Maurice Hinchey on July 29, 1999, with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Government Reform. It did not receive a committee vote or further action, and it did not become law before the 106th Congress ended.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Personal Data Privacy Act of 1999 - Prohibits Government agencies or private entities from transferring, selling, or disclosing any personal data with respect to an individual to other agencies or entities without the individual's express consent, except for a national security or law enforcement purpose or for a purpose relating to government regulation of an industry. Requires such agencies or entities to provide such an individual with: (1) access to such personal data about the individual not later than five business days after the individual requests it; and (2) an annual report including the personal data collected with respect to the individual during the preceding 12 months.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2644 do?
- H.R. 2644, the Personal Data Privacy Act of 1999, would generally prohibit federal, state, and local government agencies and private entities from transferring, selling, or disclosing an individual's personal data to another agency or entity without that individual's express consent. Exceptions would apply for government transfers made for national security, law enforcement, or industry-regulation purposes. The bill defines "personal data" broadly to include items such as a person's name, address, Social Security number, medical records, driver's license or passport number, school and taxpayer identification numbers, internet address, and credit card or other account information. The bill would also require agencies and private entities to give individuals access to their own personal data within five business days of a request, and to provide each individual an annual report listing personal data collected about them in the prior year. It affects essentially anyone whose personal information is held by government bodies or businesses, giving individuals new consent, access, and reporting rights. Individuals harmed by violations could sue in federal district court. The bill was introduced by Rep. Maurice Hinchey on July 29, 1999, with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Government Reform. It did not receive a committee vote or further action, and it did not become law before the 106th Congress ended.
- Has H.R. 2644 become law?
- Not yet. As of 29 Jul 1999, H.R. 2644 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2644?
- H.R. 2644 was sponsored by Rep. Maurice Hinchey [D-NY22, 2003-2012] (Democrat-NY), with 6 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2644?
- Introduced (29 Jul 1999).
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