Senate Judiciary hears sharp divisions over HB195, an opt‑in disclosure bill for third‑party data holders

The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee heard hours of testimony on HB195, a bill that would require certain third‑party providers to obtain specific opt‑in consent before disclosing personal information. Sponsors Representative Bob Lynn and Representative Marjorie Smith told the committee the measure is intended to supplement the state's comprehensive privacy law and to give residents clearer control over data held by entities such as credit card companies, insurers and utilities.

"This bill is limited completely to disclosure," Representative Bob Lynn said. "The main difference ... is it requires an opt in, a specific opt in procedure, to gain consent from someone if you want to be able to disclose their information." Representative Marjorie Smith emphasized the public demand for stronger protections following the recent constitutional privacy amendment and framed HB195 as a necessary legislative follow‑up.

The bill drew sustained opposition from business and industry groups, privacy advocates and several state officials, who warned HB195 could conflict with the recently enacted RSA 507‑H (the…