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Advocates push bill to stop state agencies selling data that could aid immigration enforcement
Summary
Witnesses told the Senate Judiciary Committee SB 15 87’s dash‑4 amendment would require public bodies to get written assurances before disclosing personally identifiable information to data brokers, closing a route by which state data can reach federal immigration enforcement.
Senate staff introduced Senate Bill 15 87 and the dash‑4 amendment, explaining the measure would restrict public bodies from disclosing personally identifiable information to data brokers unless the broker provides written assurances it will not further disclose that data for immigration‑enforcement purposes.
Jordan Cummings, legal director at Innovation Law Lab, said data brokers have sold aggregated personal information to federal immigration enforcement and that the dash‑4 amendment would limit the state’s ability to enable that flow. “Some brokers gather information directly from Oregon public bodies,” Cummings said, and the amendment would obligate agencies to obtain assurances before disclosure.
Rowan Jones of the Latino Community Association said the amendment is necessary to protect rural immigrant communities and prevent state‑origin data from fueling deportations and family separations. John Freudenthal (legislative aide) explained the dash‑4 amendment was posted after stakeholder meetings and aims to preserve privacy while clarifying disclosure expectations.
Supporters asked the committee to move the bill forward; the committee closed the hearing and carried the item for further consideration.
