Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7509

Introduced
2/4/26  

Caption

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION ACT OF 2015

Impact

The amended law would significantly impact the handling of personal data by requiring more stringent protocols for data retention and destruction. Agencies must now destroy personal information securely and within a reasonable time frame while preventing unauthorized access, usage, or disclosure of such data. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any notifications to individuals in the event of a data breach must occur swiftly and transparently, thereby raising the stakes for compliance among public agencies and individuals handling sensitive information.

Summary

House Bill H7509 seeks to amend the Identity Theft Protection Act of 2015 by redefining certain terms, including 'personally identifiable information', and instituting stricter compliance requirements for municipal and state agencies that handle personal data. The legislation aims to enhance the security of personal data and mitigate risks associated with identity theft by mandating that entities implement risk-based information security programs that adhere to recognized cybersecurity frameworks. The bill emphasizes the importance of securely storing and managing personal information, with defined criteria for what constitutes reasonable security measures.

Contention

While proponents argue that these amendments will offer enhanced protection for citizens by tightening regulations around personal information security, there are concerns regarding the practical implications of compliance for smaller agencies and organizations. The increased penalties for violations may disproportionately affect smaller municipalities that may lack the resources to implement these new legal standards. Furthermore, the definitions of personal data and requirements for notification processes may lead to confusion and necessitate a significant overhaul of existing privacy protocols within various agencies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6346

Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.

RI S1037

Amends the Identity Theft Protection Act by eliminating current definitions and establishing new definitions. This act also raises the penalty provisions for violations.

RI H5301

Expands responsibilities of agencies, persons or entities that store, own, collect, process, maintain, acquire, use, or licenses data, who experiences a security breach, include providing additional information to persons affected and law enforcement

RI S0545

Provides for tiered and reduced penalties for offenses of larceny, and shoplifting. Further provides that offenses of shoplifting or larceny would not be misdemeanors, repeals habitual offender provisions and other fraudulent offenses.

RI H5220

Amends the comprehensive community-police relationship act of 2015 to require an annual study by an outside agency chosen by the department.

RI S0307

Amends the comprehensive community-police relationship act of 2015 to require an annual study by an outside agency chosen by the department.

RI H5817

Establishes the “2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act."

RI H6076

Establishes the fantasy sports consumer protection act.

RI S0377

Establishes the “2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act."

RI H5842

Categorizes women by their biological identity at birth rather than their gender identity for purpose of organized sports.

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NJ S2602

"New Jersey Disclosure and Accountability Transparency Act (NJ DaTA)"; establishes certain requirements for disclosure and processing of personally identifiable information; establishes Office of Data Protection and Responsible Use in Division of Consumer Affairs.

NJ A1360

"New Jersey Disclosure and Accountability Transparency Act (NJ DaTA)"; establishes certain requirements for disclosure and processing of personally identifiable information; establishes Office of Data Protection and Responsible Use in Division of Consumer Affairs.