Protecting DOD Data Act of 2025
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (7 Nov 2025): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
What this bill does
The bill, titled the Protecting DOD Data Act of 2025, aims to strengthen protections for personal data related to the operational security of Department of Defense (DOD) personnel. It directs the Secretary of Defense to identify and prioritize this data, ensuring its collection, use, dissemination, and retention adhere to existing privacy laws and practices. The bill also requires the Secretary to review and potentially update existing guidance on protecting this sensitive data by June 1, 2026, and to limit its storage on non-DOD servers unless specific contractual agreements are in place or the data subject provides permission.
This legislation would affect members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the DOD by enhancing the security of their personal information that impacts their operational security. It also includes provisions for waivers under specific national security circumstances, with written certification from the Secretary. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Defense notify Congress of certain changes to departmental issuances and specific events, such as waivers being granted, data storage violations, or cybersecurity incidents, for a period of five years after enactment.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on November 7, 2025, by Senator Elissa Slotkin, and cosponsored by Senator Joni Ernst. It has been read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services. As the bill has just been introduced, it will proceed through the legislative process within the committee and potentially the full Senate for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
7 Nov 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Common questions
- What does S. 3161 do?
- The bill, titled the Protecting DOD Data Act of 2025, aims to strengthen protections for personal data related to the operational security of Department of Defense (DOD) personnel. It directs the Secretary of Defense to identify and prioritize this data, ensuring its collection, use, dissemination, and retention adhere to existing privacy laws and practices. The bill also requires the Secretary to review and potentially update existing guidance on protecting this sensitive data by June 1, 2026, and to limit its storage on non-DOD servers unless specific contractual agreements are in place or the data subject provides permission. This legislation would affect members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the DOD by enhancing the security of their personal information that impacts their operational security. It also includes provisions for waivers under specific national security circumstances, with written certification from the Secretary. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Defense notify Congress of certain changes to departmental issuances and specific events, such as waivers being granted, data storage violations, or cybersecurity incidents, for a period of five years after enactment. The bill was introduced in the Senate on November 7, 2025, by Senator Elissa Slotkin, and cosponsored by Senator Joni Ernst. It has been read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services. As the bill has just been introduced, it will proceed through the legislative process within the committee and potentially the full Senate for consideration.
- Has S. 3161 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3161. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 3161?
- S. 3161 was sponsored by Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI] (D-MI), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 3161?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (7 Nov 2025).
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