Wash. Senate Passes Privacy Bill for 3rd Straight Year

The Washington Senate passed a comprehensive state privacy bill for the third straight year. Wednesday’s 48-1 vote sent SB-5062 to the House, where similar bills died in the previous two sessions due to enforcement and other concerns. “Numerous other states, including Virginia, are moving forward with strong privacy legislation,” said sponsor Sen. Reuven Carlyle (D). The House has rival HB-1433 supported by the American Civil Liberties Union that differs from Carlyle’s bill by including a private right of action and opt-in consent (see 2101290053). Tuesday is the Washington State Legislature’s cutoff to pass bills in their originating chamber. Following California in 2018, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) signed the nation’s second major privacy bill Tuesday (see 2103030060).