Lt. Gov. Husted Unveils Ohio Data Privacy Bill

Ohio lawmakers proposed a comprehensive data privacy bill that would apply to businesses with at least $25 million revenue in the state. “Federal and state laws do not adequately protect how companies use your personal data and what rights you have to that information,” Lt. Governor Jon Husted (R) said Tuesday on the bill (HB-376) introduced Monday. “Without action in this space on the federal level, it’s important that our state take the lead.” Rep. Rick Carfagna (R) said his bill “will balance reasonable privacy standards to protect Ohioans with less bureaucracy and regulation on businesses.” The plan lists data rights for consumers including a right to delete personal data and to request that businesses not sell such information. Ohio’s attorney general would exclusively enforce HB-376, which has no private right of action. The bill would give enhanced legal protection for Ohio businesses that adopt the National Institute of Standards and Technology privacy framework. Husted’s office shared supportive statements Tuesday from Charter Communications, the Ohio Cable Telecommunications Association and several business groups including the Ohio Business Roundtable and Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Colorado enacted the third state privacy law last week (see 2107080004).