EPIC Testifies in Support of Bill to Expand Privacy Protections for Vermonters

This week, EPIC Deputy Director and Policy Director Caitriona Fitzgerald testified before the Vermont House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development in support of a bill that would expand consumer data privacy in that state.  

The legislation, S.71 v.2.3, includes strong data minimization provisions, heightened protections for minors, and a ban on the sale of sensitive data. 

While EPIC supports this version of the bill, Fitzgerald noted that the removal of the private right of action, which was present in bill that passed the Legislature last session but was ultimately vetoed, was a massive concession to those who opposed the bill. Fitzgerald said she hopes the Legislature will revisit the idea of a private right of action once the bill is in effect. 

EPIC nonetheless commends Vermont’s lawmakers for drafting this important legislation, which largely reflects the last several years of work on privacy legislation across the states and would raise the baseline of protection for consumers.  

“Privacy is a fundamental right, and it is time for business practices to reflect that reality. Self-regulation is clearly not working, and since Congress has still been unable to enact comprehensive privacy protections despite years of discussion on the topic, state legislatures must act,” Fitzgerald testified. “The Vermont State Legislature has an opportunity this session to provide real privacy protections for Vermonters while allowing Vermont businesses to thrive.” 

EPIC has long advocated for strong privacy legislation that prioritizes meaningful data minimization principles.