Senate panel advances bill requiring faster data-breach notices to Californians
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Summary
A Senate Judiciary subcommittee voted to send SB 446 to the Appropriations Committee after author Senator Hurtado said the bill would require residents be notified of data breaches within 30 days and the Attorney General within 15 days; no public witnesses testified for or against the measure at the hearing.
A California State Senate Judiciary subcommittee advanced SB 446 on a voice-and-roll vote, sending the bill to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Lena Hurtado, the bill uthor, told the panel SB 446 would require businesses and other data holders to notify California residents of security breaches within 30 days and to notify the Office of the Attorney General within 15 days.
The bill would not change the existing threshold for when notification is required; Hurtado said current law already requires reporting when a breach affects more than 500 residents but lacks a specific disclosure deadline.
"SB 446 would protect consumers by requiring a data breach disclosure be made to California residents within 30 days and it expands on existing law by requiring individuals and businesses to notify the Office of the Attorney General within 15 days of a security breach," Hurtado said during her presentation. She acknowledged industry concerns about the speed of the required AG notice and said she would continue to "assess and work on those concerns."
At the hearing the subcommittee opened the floor for primary support and opposition witnesses but none approached to testify. Committee staff then called the roll; the measure was carried forward on the committee—alendar and, in the full committee roll calls recorded later in the hearing, passed out of the Judiciary Committee without opposition.
Why it matters: Supporters say a fixed deadline would reduce the window in which consumers and affected organizations remain unaware of breaches. Opponents (who did not present in-person testimony at this hearing) have flagged implementation concerns and the short timeframe for notice to the Attorney General.
What's next: SB 446 was moved to the Senate Appropriations Committee; the author indicated willingness to negotiate technical changes.
Votes at a glance: The motion to pass SB 446 as amended to Senate Appropriations was moved on the record; committee roll calls recorded the measure advancing without recorded dissent (final roll notation: passed out of committee).
