Agricultural Data Privacy Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Sep 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
What this bill does
The Agricultural Data Privacy Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts, aims to protect the economic value and autonomy of agricultural producers by regulating the sale and security of agricultural data. The bill defines various types of agricultural data, including agronomic, climate, livestock, management, and sustainability data, and clarifies that agricultural producers are the owners of data originating from their operations.
Under the proposed legislation, companies that collect or process agricultural data, referred to as controllers and processors, would generally be prohibited from selling this data without the explicit written consent of the agricultural producer. This consent must be obtained through a clear disclosure separate from other service agreements. Contracts entered into after January 1, 2027, involving agricultural data must include a provision stating this prohibition. The bill also requires these entities to maintain reasonable security practices to protect the collected data.
The bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. If passed by the Senate and then the House of Representatives, it would be sent to the President for signature into law. The Attorney General would be responsible for enforcement, with the ability to seek injunctions or impose civil penalties of $1,000 per violation for non-compliance, though notice and an opportunity to cure violations of security and contract provisions are outlined before action can be taken. The Secretary of Agriculture would administer the act, excluding enforcement aspects.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
23 Sep 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Common questions
- What does S. 5459 do?
- The Agricultural Data Privacy Act of 2026, introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts, aims to protect the economic value and autonomy of agricultural producers by regulating the sale and security of agricultural data. The bill defines various types of agricultural data, including agronomic, climate, livestock, management, and sustainability data, and clarifies that agricultural producers are the owners of data originating from their operations. Under the proposed legislation, companies that collect or process agricultural data, referred to as controllers and processors, would generally be prohibited from selling this data without the explicit written consent of the agricultural producer. This consent must be obtained through a clear disclosure separate from other service agreements. Contracts entered into after January 1, 2027, involving agricultural data must include a provision stating this prohibition. The bill also requires these entities to maintain reasonable security practices to protect the collected data. The bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. If passed by the Senate and then the House of Representatives, it would be sent to the President for signature into law. The Attorney General would be responsible for enforcement, with the ability to seek injunctions or impose civil penalties of $1,000 per violation for non-compliance, though notice and an opportunity to cure violations of security and contract provisions are outlined before action can be taken. The Secretary of Agriculture would administer the act, excluding enforcement aspects.
- Has S. 5459 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5459. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5459?
- S. 5459 was sponsored by Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE] (R-NE), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5459?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (23 Sep 2026).
Related bills in Agriculture and Food
Improving Access to WIC Act
RAISE Act of 2026
Expressing support for the designation of October 4 through October 10, 2026, as "National 4-H Week".
Red Meat Inspection Exemption Act
More bills from Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]
A resolution supporting the designation of October 2026 as "Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month" to raise awareness of substance use and misuse in the United States.
BINSA Act
PREPARE Act
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Notice of Decision Granting a Waiver of Clean Air Act Preemption for California's Advanced Clean Car Program and a Within the Scope Conformation for California's Zero Emission Vehicle Amendments for 2017 and Earlier Model Years".
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.