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Committee advances privacy bill after scaling back biometric, AI and cure‑period provisions
Summary
Senators approved SB 258 as amended after sponsors removed proposed biometric and AI rules and omitted a proposed 60‑day cure period requested by some technology companies; the attorney general’s office opposed a 60‑day cure window, sponsors said.
A Senate committee passed Senate Bill 258 as amended following months of stakeholder negotiation that narrowed the bill’s scope, sponsors said.
Senator Josh Bryant and colleagues explained the amendment addressed concerns raised by the Arkansas Securities Department, the attorney general’s office, TechNet, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and others. The sponsor said the amendment removes large sections on artificial intelligence and biometric data, tightens definitions around sale of personal information, and trims the bill by roughly 15 pages.
One remaining point of contention was a proposed 60‑day cure period that would have allowed businesses accused of violations notice and an opportunity to cure before enforcement. Senator Bryant said the attorney general’s office viewed a 60‑day cure period as an administrative burden and did not want it included; sponsors removed that provision. In the amended bill, the sponsor said the attorney general retains enforcement authority without a mandatory 60‑day cure window.
Several industry and privacy professionals testified in favor of the scaled‑back bill, including privacy consultants and attorneys representing small and medium commercial clients who said clearer rules would help businesses adopt consistent practices and protect consumers. One witness said about 20 states have adopted similar protections.
The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to report the bill do pass as amended by voice vote. The transcript records no roll‑call tally.
Votes at a glance: SB 258 — Amendment adopted; motion to report do pass as amended (mover: not specified; second: Senator Bryant); outcome: approved (voice vote).
