HR1791: HR1791 Federal government; establish a national data protection authority; urge

This resolution does not change Georgia law. Instead, it expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' position that Congress and federal agencies should establish a national data protection authority to oversee how personal data, including biometrics, location information, and data about children and families, is collected and handled nationwide. The resolution argues that personal data currently moves between companies without individuals' knowledge or consent, and that a single national standard would be more effective than states acting on their own. It states that such an authority could require consent before data transfers, create technical data storage standards, and enforce compliance. It also 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.

• Formally urges the federal government to establish a national data protection authority to regulate personal data handling.
• States that such an authority should ensure personal data transfers happen only with individual consent.
• States that such an authority should develop technical standards for safe data storage and require compliance from entities that handle data.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and each member of Georgia's congressional delegation.
• Does not create any new Georgia law, agency, funding, or penalty because it is a resolution rather than a bill.

The resolution is directed at the federal government and Georgia's congressional delegation. It does not directly regulate any Georgia group, but it references companies that collect and transfer personal data, and consumers whose biometric, location, and family data is gathered by devices and online services.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill, it does not change any law or create enforceable rules in Georgia. Its practical effect is to put the Georgia House on record supporting a federal data privacy framework and to formally communicate that position to federal officials and Georgia's members of Congress.

• The whereas clauses describe the rationale: personal data is increasingly detailed and moved between companies without individual knowledge or consent.
• The resolved clause states the House urges the federal government to address data privacy by establishing a national data protection authority.
• A second resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the Secretary of Homeland Security and Georgia's congressional delegation.
• The text outlines three functions a national authority could serve: ensuring consent for data transfers, developing technical storage standards, and ensuring compliance with those standards.

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 legislation
• consumer protection
• biometric data