Fla. Senate Sends Privacy Bill Back to House

A privacy bill with no private right of action passed the Florida Senate 29-11 Thursday. The Senate removed the ability for individuals to sue from HB-969 by amendment Wednesday (see 2104280054). The House must agree to the Senate’s changes before the bill can go to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). While disappointed the Senate won’t allow private suits, Sen. Gary Farmer, who reportedly was replaced Wednesday as Democratic Senate leader, said the bill is a “good start.” Voting no, Sen. Jeff Brandes (R) complained that the Senate debated the bill Wednesday for only nine minutes. "Nine minutes on what could be the largest tax increase on businesses or regulatory burden on businesses that has ever come through this chamber." It's good the Senate removed the private cause, but the measure still allows class actions, Brandes said. It will inappropriately cover some businesses, which will be caught "like dolphins in a tuna net,” he added. Sponsor Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R) downplayed the cost to businesses, saying the bill mainly requires them to add opt-out buttons to their websites. The legislature ends session Friday.