HR 1791: Federal government; establish a national data protection authority; urge

This resolution does not change Georgia law. Instead, it expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' opinion that the federal government should create a new national agency to regulate personal data, including biometric information, location tracking, and data about children and families. The resolution argues that personal data now moves between companies without individuals' knowledge or consent, and that a single state cannot set uniform rules for something that operates nationally and globally. It calls for the federal government to ensure data transfers require consent, to develop technical standards for safe data storage, and to make sure companies handling data comply with those standards. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to send copies to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and to Georgia's members of Congress. It creates no new state requirements or penalties.

• Formally urges the federal government to establish a national data protection authority to regulate personal data.
• States the Georgia House's position that data transfers should require individual consent and that national technical standards for data storage should exist.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and to Georgia's congressional delegation.
• Does not create any new Georgia law, agency, penalty, or funding; it is a statement of position rather than binding legislation.

The resolution is directed at the federal government and Georgia's congressional delegation. It touches consumers whose personal data (including biometrics and location data) is collected by companies, and data-handling businesses that could eventually face national standards if Congress acts.

Because this is a resolution, it does not change any law on its own. Its practical effect is limited to signaling Georgia lawmakers' support for federal data privacy action, which could influence how Georgia's congressional delegation approaches future federal privacy legislation.

• The whereas clauses describe concerns about personal data collection, including biometrics, location tracking, and data about children and families, being shared without consent.
• The resolution asks for a national authority to ensure data transfers occur with consent, develop technical storage standards, and enforce compliance by data handlers.
• It notes that without federal action, states might pursue their own measures such as constitutional amendments or interstate compacts.
• The final resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the Secretary of Homeland Security and Georgia's congressional delegation.

1. 2026-03-23House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-03-20House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-19House Hopper (House)

• Steven Sainz (R, HD-180)Primary sponsor
• Matt Reeves (R, HD-099)
• Brad Thomas (R, HD-021)

• data privacy
• federal advocacy
• consumer protection
• biometric data