Oregon lawmakers support HB 2008 for stronger data protections for minors

The Senate Committee on Judiciary convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2008, which aims to enhance consumer data privacy protections, particularly for minors. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for stronger regulations regarding the sale of geolocation data and personal information.

The session began with a statement from a representative of Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ), who emphasized the need for robust consumer protections in light of existing gaps in the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act. The OCJ representative highlighted that while the 2023 act was a positive step, it still left minors vulnerable. House Bill 2008 seeks to address these concerns by prohibiting the sale of precise geolocation data and enhancing protections specifically for minors. The representative praised the collaborative efforts led by Representative Chosin, which resulted in an amended version of the bill that considers various stakeholder concerns.

Following this, Matt Schwartz, a policy analyst for Consumer Reports, voiced support for HB 2008, underscoring the importance of banning the sale of geolocation data. He argued that such data is sensitive and can reveal personal information about individuals, including their locations during significant life events. Schwartz noted that while the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act includes provisions for geolocation data, its practical application is challenging for consumers. He stressed the need for universal protections to ensure that consumers, especially minors, are not exploited.

Amanda Dalton, representing the Oregon Privacy Coalition, acknowledged the ongoing implementation of the Consumer Data Privacy Act and expressed appreciation for the bipartisan support that HB 2008 has garnered. She mentioned that the bill is ready to move forward, reflecting a consensus among stakeholders.

Rachel Wiggins Emery from the Technology Association of Oregon echoed Dalton's sentiments, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement in refining the bill. She expressed gratitude for the collaborative process that led to a more focused proposal, encouraging the committee to support the amended version of the bill.

The meeting concluded with additional testimonies from remote participants, including Bridal Bufard, a staff attorney at Fairplay, who emphasized the need for vigilance in protecting children's data in the media and marketing sectors.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored a collective commitment to advancing consumer privacy protections in Oregon, particularly for vulnerable populations such as minors. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed amendments and potential voting on the bill.