House Panel to Hold Hearing on Major Data Privacy Bill
The bill gives the consumers the right to know and control when personal data is being shared.
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2026 – A House panel is taking up Wednesday a sweeping proposal to create the first national standard for consumer data privacy.
A House Energy and Commerce Committee subcommittee is reviewing the SECURE Data Act, a bill aimed at replacing the patchwork of state privacy laws with a single federal framework. Supporters say the current system leaves consumers exposed because protections vary widely across state lines.
The bill would require data controllers to use “state‑of‑the‑art” security practices and give Americans the right to know what data companies hold about them — and to access, correct, delete or receive a copy of it. It also states: “Although the collection, use and sharing of personal data yields significant benefits to consumers, commerce and national security, legal protections for Americans’ personal data have not kept pace with technology changes.
Consumers would have to consent before companies process sensitive data, and parental consent would be required for minors under 16. The measure also allows people to opt out of targeted advertising, data sales and certain automated denials involving housing, healthcare or employment. Companies would be required to provide clear privacy notices and disclose when data is transferred to a foreign adversary.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. John Joyce, R‑Pa., who chairs the committee’s Oversight and Investigations panel. The hearing was announced by the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Rep. Gus Bilirakis R-Fl.
Guthrie and Bilirakis said, “The SECURE Data Act follows the successful model many red, blue and purple states have already enacted into law, putting our constituents in charge of their data and holding bad actors accountable.”
Guthrie and Bilirakis also noted that the committee is looking forward to having a conversation around defending Americans’ digital identities while supporting innovation. The hearing before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3.
