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

26 LC 56 0655 House Resolution 1791 By: Representatives Sainz of the 180th, Reeves of the 99th, and Thomas of the 21st A RESOLUTION Urging the federal government to establish a national data protection authority; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, data has become more personal than ever before due to the tracking of3 biometrics, locations, and the faces and patterns of children and families, amounting to what4 is akin to data DNA; and5 WHEREAS, such personal data is gathered by an increasing number of services and devices6 located throughout the country and the world; and7 WHEREAS, all of this personal data is moved between market part icipants without the8 knowledge or consent of the individuals from whom the data was collected; and9 WHEREAS, ensuring that data is handled safely, uniformly, and p redictably once it is10 acquired from an individual would lead to consumer confidence a nd increased economic11 activity; and12 H. R. 1791 - 1 - 26 LC 56 0655 WHEREAS, to instill such confidence in consumers there needs to be a unified approach to13 storing, handling, and transferring personal data at a scale an d scope that no one state can14 accomplish; and15 WHEREAS, a national data protection authority can ensure that:16 (1) Transfers of personal data happen with the consent of the individual;17 (2) Technical standards for safe data storage can be developed; and18 (3) Entities which store and handle data do so in compliance with such standards; and19 WHEREAS, in the absence of federal leadership in this area, sta tes may be forced into20 action, including constitutional amendments and interstate compacts, to protect their citizens;21 and22 WHEREAS, the existence of uniform standards will create certainty for data handlers who23 may benefit from liability shields for compliance with such standards, and such certainty will24 also stimulate economic activity.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that26 the members of this body urge the federal government to address the issue of data privacy27 through the establishment of a national data protection authority.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized29 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the30 Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security and to each member of the31 Georgia congressional delegation.32 H. R. 1791 - 2 -