Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB613

Introduced
1/24/24  
Introduced
1/24/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to software security measures for text messages, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

By establishing these legal requirements, HSB613 aims to protect users from potential data breaches and ensure that texting software aligns with modern capabilities. The implementation of real-time notifications regarding message delivery and reading status, when enabled by users, is intended to enhance user experience by providing clarity on communication exchanges. These features also align with general trends in digital communication technology, ensuring that state legislation keeps pace with technological advancements.

Summary

House Study Bill 613 (HSB613) introduces regulatory measures pertaining to software security for text messaging. The bill mandates that texting software providers ensure that any text messages sent or received are encrypted and that multimedia content is sent without degradation. These requirements are designed to enhance the security and quality of text communication within Iowa, providing consumers with certain privacy protections as well as improved functionality in messaging apps. The emphasis on encryption is significant, considering the rise in concerns related to data privacy and security in the digital age.

Contention

While the bill represents a step towards stronger consumer protections, there may be concerns from software providers regarding compliance costs and potential legal repercussions. The civil penalties imposed for violations – set at ten dollars per device per violation – could lead to significant liabilities for companies that fail to meet the new standards. This element might provoke discussions among software providers about the feasibility of compliance and the implications for innovation and competition in the texting software market within Iowa.

Companion Bills

IA SSB3106

Related A bill for an act relating to software security measures for text messages, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2332

A bill for an act relating to elective abortion and feticide, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

IA HF2556

A bill for an act relating to the use of automatic registration plate readers, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

IA HF2718

A bill for an act relating to the seizure of firearms, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 430.)

IA HF666

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa human life protection Act, providing for civil actions and civil penalties, and including effective date provisions.

IA HF2763

A bill for an act providing for services relating to agricultural production, providing penalties, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2709, HSB 751.)

IA HSB753

A bill for an act regulating hemp and associated products, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF543

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of election recounts, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1176.)

IA SSB1176

A bill for an act relating to the conduct of election recounts, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 543.)

IA HF798

A bill for an act relating to parental authorization for minors to create accounts on social media platforms, providing civil penalties, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 278.)

IA SF22

A bill for an act relating to the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode while driving, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable. Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Similar Bills

NJ S3608

Provides for uniform regulation of small wireless facility deployment in this State.

MN SF1384

Requirements for permitting small wireless facilities modification

NJ A4135

Clarifies that application to collocate wireless communications equipment be reviewed by administrative officer.

IL HB3488

SCH CD-WIRELESS COMM DEVICE

IL SB2427

SCH CD-WIRELESS COMM DEVICE

NM SB164

Wireless Consumer Infrastructure Changes

VA HB876

Zoning; wireless facilities, temporary support structures.

VA HB876

An Act to amend and reenact § 15.2-2316.3 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2316.4:4, relating to zoning; wireless facilities; temporary support structure.