By Nicole Maxwell
HB 410, which seeks to protect people’s online data was discussed but not voted on Wednesday.
HB 410 would create new regulations for collection, processing and protection of New Mexicans’ personal data.
The New Mexico Department of Justice would handle enforcement by way of civil penalties.
“It protects our vulnerable, vulnerable populations, but also the consumers at large, that your data, that when you know when it’s being used, it’s being used for the purpose that you expect it to be used for,” bill sponsor Rep. Linda Serrato, D-Santa Fe, said during a House Commerce and Economic Development Committee hearing.
House Minority Floor Leader Gail Armstrong, R-Magdalena, was concerned the bill was not ready yet due to its potential impacts on small businesses and startups that might collect personal data.
Serrato said the bill is primarily focused on entities that handle more than 35,000 people’s data.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez, in a statement ahead of the hearing, urged lawmakers to approve the bill.
“HB 410 will establish clear rights for individuals regarding their personal data, require businesses to implement stronger data security measures, and ensure greater accountability for companies handling sensitive consumer information,” Torrez said.
Entities exempt from the bill include government agencies, some financial institutions, certain healthcare entities, nonprofit organizations and higher learning institutions.
At least 22 other states are considering similar legislation, Serrato said.
Further discussion is expected on Monday.