Senate committee hears competing approaches to Vermont consumer data privacy law

The Vermont Senate Committee on Institutions on March 13 heard testimony on two competing consumer data privacy bills — S71 and S93 — with business groups, health-care representatives and recreation industry leaders urging different approaches to exemptions, enforcement and definitions.

Supporters of the stricter S71 said the bill would create an essential framework to protect Vermont consumers and requested robust implementation support for small businesses. Health-care organizations and some industry groups urged the committee to adopt S93 instead, citing existing federal rules such as HIPAA, the administrative burden of S71’s thresholds and the risk that a private right of action would produce costly litigation.

Miyako Zeki, who identified herself as organizer of Vermont Womenpreneurs and owner of Radiant Studios, told the committee S71 “creates a necessary framework that protects consumer privacy while allowing Vermont businesses to operate effectively in today’s digital environment.” She said most Vermont firms would be exempt under S71’s thresholds — the bill applies only to businesses that process…