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HB 357

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 357 protects motor vehicle operators' personal data by banning its sale or sharing, ensuring privacy and imposing penalties for violations.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 357

Summary of House Bill 357: Motor Vehicle Operator Privacy

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 357, also known as the "Driver Privacy Act," aims to enhance the privacy of motor vehicle operators by restricting the sale and sharing of personal information contained in motor vehicle records. The bill seeks to protect sensitive data from being exploited by third-party companies, foreign entities, or individuals.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions: The bill provides clear definitions for terms such as "motor vehicle record," "third-party company," "foreign country of concern," and "secure login credentials."

  • Confidentiality of Personal Information:

    • Personal information in motor vehicle records is deemed confidential under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act. This includes information related to motor vehicle permits, titles, registrations, and identification cards.
    • The bill explicitly prohibits the sale or sharing of this information with third-party companies, foreign countries of concern, or foreign principals.

  • E-mail Address Protection: E-mail addresses collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles are exempt from public records laws and cannot be sold or shared without consent.

  • Emergency Contact Information:

    • Emergency contact details are classified as confidential and can only be released to law enforcement or medical facilities in emergencies, with the consent of the individual.

  • Penalties:

    • Any third-party company that misuses or improperly releases information from the Driver and Vehicle Information Database may face a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.

  • Exemptions: Secure login credentials and certain internet-related data are also exempt from public records laws to further protect user privacy.

Impact

  • Individuals: The bill primarily protects motor vehicle operators by ensuring their personal information is not misused or sold without their consent.

  • Third-Party Companies: Marketing firms, debt collectors, and data brokers will face stricter regulations regarding the use of motor vehicle records, potentially impacting their business models.

  • State Agencies: The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will need to implement new protocols to comply with the privacy standards set forth in this legislation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill is currently in the Government Operations Subcommittee.
  • Effective Date: The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing time for implementation of the new privacy measures.

Conclusion

House Bill 357 represents a significant step towards enhancing the privacy of motor vehicle operators in Florida. By restricting the sale and sharing of sensitive personal information, the legislation aims to protect individuals from potential misuse of their data while imposing penalties on those who violate these privacy standards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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