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H.R. 611·112th Congress·House Bill

BEST PRACTICES Act

Stage not supplied

The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.

Latest action (18 Feb 2011): Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.

What this bill does

H.R. 611, the BEST PRACTICES Act, would require companies that collect or store personal data to inform individuals about their data privacy practices. This includes detailing what information is collected, why it's used, and with whom it might be shared. Individuals would also be given options to access their data, limit its collection and use, and submit complaints. The bill defines "covered entities" as businesses engaged in interstate commerce that handle such data, with exceptions for governments and very small businesses.

The bill's provisions would affect individuals by giving them more control over their personal information and how it's used by companies. It would also impact businesses by establishing new requirements for transparency, consent, and data security. Specifically, companies would be prohibited from collecting or using data without an individual's consent, and from sharing it with third parties without explicit affirmative consent, unless certain conditions are met.

As of its introduction in February 2011, H.R. 611 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Further action would require the committee to consider the bill and potentially advance it for a vote by the full House of Representatives. If passed by the House, it would then move to the Senate for consideration.

Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.

Official summary

Building Effective Strategies To Promote Responsibility Accountability Choice Transparency Innovation Consumer Expectations and Safeguards Act or the BEST PRACTICES Act - Defines "covered entity" as a person engaged in interstate commerce that collects or stores data containing covered or sensitive information (information), excluding: (1) governments; or (2) any person that stores covered information from or about fewer than 15,000 individuals, collects covered information from or about fewer than 10,000 individuals during any 12-month period, does not collect or store sensitive information, and does not use covered information to monitor or analyze the behavior of individuals as the person's primary business.

Requires a covered entity to make available to individuals whose information it collects or maintains information about its information privacy practices and an individual's options with regard to such practices, including: (1) the covered entity's identity; (2) a description of, the purposes for, and potential disclosure of such information; and (3) the individual's means to access the information, limit its collection, use, and disclosure, and submit inquiries or complaints regarding the covered entity's practices.

Prohibits a covered entity from: (1) collecting, using, or disclosing information unless it provides the information in concise and easy-to-understand notices in accordance with regulations issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (excludes trade secrets and in-person transactions from such notice requirements); (2) collecting or using information about an individual without the individual's consent (which may be granted affirmatively or by not declining consent after appropriate notification); and (3) disclosing information about an individual to a third party unless the covered entity has received affirmative consent from the individual prior to the disclosure.

Requires a covered entity to assure information accuracy, including by providing an individual with information access and dispute resolution procedures.

Requires each covered entity and service provider to ensure information security, integrity, and confidentiality.

Exempts a covered entity that participates in one or more FTC-approved self-regulatory programs (Choice Program) from: (1) the requirements for express affirmative consent required for information use pursuant to a Choice Program; (2) the requirement of access to information; and (3) private right of action liability.

Provides and specifies the conditions for FTC, state, and private rights of enforcement.

Timeline

  1. 18 Feb 2011

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.

Common questions

What does H.R. 611 do?
H.R. 611, the BEST PRACTICES Act, would require companies that collect or store personal data to inform individuals about their data privacy practices. This includes detailing what information is collected, why it's used, and with whom it might be shared. Individuals would also be given options to access their data, limit its collection and use, and submit complaints. The bill defines "covered entities" as businesses engaged in interstate commerce that handle such data, with exceptions for governments and very small businesses. The bill's provisions would affect individuals by giving them more control over their personal information and how it's used by companies. It would also impact businesses by establishing new requirements for transparency, consent, and data security. Specifically, companies would be prohibited from collecting or using data without an individual's consent, and from sharing it with third parties without explicit affirmative consent, unless certain conditions are met. As of its introduction in February 2011, H.R. 611 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Further action would require the committee to consider the bill and potentially advance it for a vote by the full House of Representatives. If passed by the House, it would then move to the Senate for consideration.
Has H.R. 611 become law?
The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 611. Check the latest action and official source below.
Who sponsored H.R. 611?
H.R. 611 was sponsored by Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1] (D-IL), with 0 cosponsors.
What's the latest action on H.R. 611?
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. (18 Feb 2011).

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