Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act
Latest action (2 Oct 2024): Became Public Law No: 118-104.
What this bill does
The Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to add the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, and authorized representatives of the Director, to the list of parties to whom federal agencies may disclose personal records without needing prior consent from the individuals involved. In practical terms, this gives CBO a clearer legal pathway to obtain data held by executive branch agencies when that data is needed for the agency's official work, such as preparing cost estimates and budgetary analyses for Congress.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies that hold data covered by the Privacy Act, and the Congressional Budget Office itself, which relies on timely access to such data to carry out its analytical duties for Congress. It does not create new obligations for the general public, but it does adjust how personal information held by the government may be shared internally between agencies and CBO.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 10, 2023, by Senator Gary Peters, and proceeded through the standard legislative process in the 118th Congress. It has completed that process: it was passed by both chambers, enrolled, and signed by the President on October 2, 2024, meaning it is now law with no further congressional action required.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act
This act exempts the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) from the Privacy Act of 1974 to expedite the sharing of data and information between CBO and federal agencies.
Under current law, the Privacy Act of 1974 generally prohibits federal agencies from disclosing certain records pertaining to an individual without the individual's prior written consent. This act allows federal agencies to disclose such records to CBO (or to an authorized representative of CBO) without obtaining the prior written consent of the individual.
Several agencies, including the Government Accountability Office and the National Archives and Records Administration, are currently exempt from these requirements, and this act adds CBO to the list of exemptions.
Timeline
2 Oct 2024
Became Public Law No: 118-104.
Common questions
- What does S. 1549 do?
- The Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to add the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, and authorized representatives of the Director, to the list of parties to whom federal agencies may disclose personal records without needing prior consent from the individuals involved. In practical terms, this gives CBO a clearer legal pathway to obtain data held by executive branch agencies when that data is needed for the agency's official work, such as preparing cost estimates and budgetary analyses for Congress. The bill primarily affects federal agencies that hold data covered by the Privacy Act, and the Congressional Budget Office itself, which relies on timely access to such data to carry out its analytical duties for Congress. It does not create new obligations for the general public, but it does adjust how personal information held by the government may be shared internally between agencies and CBO. The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 10, 2023, by Senator Gary Peters, and proceeded through the standard legislative process in the 118th Congress. It has completed that process: it was passed by both chambers, enrolled, and signed by the President on October 2, 2024, meaning it is now law with no further congressional action required.
- Has S. 1549 become law?
- Yes. S. 1549 has been enacted. Status last updated 2 Oct 2024.
- Who sponsored S. 1549?
- S. 1549 was sponsored by Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI] (D-MI), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1549?
- Became Public Law No: 118-104. (2 Oct 2024).
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