Consumer data privacy took center stage at the Senate Committee on Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection meeting on December 19, 2023, as Robbie McLuckie from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) voiced concerns over proposed legislation. While McLuckie expressed support for the bill's intent, he highlighted a critical oversight regarding the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
McLuckie pointed out that the current draft of the bill does not consider the implications of existing federal regulations, which could lead to conflicts for entities that handle sensitive information related to controlled substances. He emphasized that pharmacies, which are required to maintain private records of transactions involving regulated substances, could face challenges if the bill is enacted without amendments.
To address this issue, McLuckie proposed a minor amendment to exempt certain information collected under federal law from the bill's provisions. He noted that Wisconsin's state law already mandates the use of the National Precursor Log Exchange, a system designed to track sales of methamphetamine precursors, and that aligning the state legislation with federal requirements is crucial.
McLuckie has submitted specific language for the proposed amendment to the committee and is eager to share it with all members, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the new legislation does not inadvertently conflict with established federal policies. The committee's response to this request could significantly impact the final form of the consumer data privacy bill.