With information constantly being shared through different media, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, had made it a priority to ensure that constituents’ sensitive information remains private.
“People are entitled to their privacy, especially when it concerns their sensitive information, such as medical records and social security numbers,” Manley said. “Of course with how technology has been advancing and how information is being shared, data breaches have occurred more often than not and it is important that we are doing more to protect them from the fallout of such instances.”
Manley supported House Bill 1260, which would amend the Personal Protection Act by expanding what is constituted as private information and what data collectors are required to do in case of a breach in their system. The bill would ensure that faster action be taken by the data collectors to inform people who have been affected by the breach and the process on how the Attorney General’s Office become involved.
The bill passed both the House and Senate with no opposition. It became law May 13 when the Governor approved it.
“This legislation is important to protecting citizens due to breaches that occur with data collectors and allows them to stay informed on what is happening,” Manley said. “People deserve to be in the loop and this law will make a difference in protection one’s information from further harm.”