Vermont Senate Bill S0302

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/26
• Refer: 1/23/26

Caption

An act relating to limiting the collection of personally identifying information

Impact

This bill seeks to impact state laws by reforming how public agencies manage and gather sensitive personal data. It aims to safeguard privacy for vulnerable populations, particularly undocumented immigrants, by reducing the need for governmental entities to maintain information that could otherwise be leveraged against these individuals. By restricting local and state compliance that could conflict with federal agencies, S0302 promotes a more humane approach to information collection within public services.

Summary

S0302 relates to the limitation of the collection of personally identifying information by public agencies in the state. The bill specifically prohibits public agencies from collecting immigration status information unless such collection is mandated by a specific state or federal law. Additionally, it restricts the disclosure of personally identifiable information to federal agencies for registration or tracking purposes. The objective of this legislation is to protect individuals from excessive data collection and potential misuse of their personal information in immigration matters.

Contention

There may be notable contention surrounding this bill as it intersects with broader debates on immigration policy and state and federal cooperation. Critics of S0302 could argue that limiting agencies' ability to collect and share information hinders efforts to enforce immigration laws or undermine public safety. On the other hand, supporters might advocate that these restrictions are necessary to prevent discrimination and protect the civil liberties of residents. This friction between ensuring state authority versus conforming to federal requirements may lead to a complex discourse as stakeholders from various perspectives engage with the legislation.