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HF 394

Limits for contact tracing, digital contract tracing, immunizations, communicable disease testing, and the required disclosure of certain information established; destruction of certain data required; mandatory digital contact tracing by employers prohibited; and civil penalties provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peggy Scott

HF 394 restricts contact tracing programs, prohibits employer digital contact tracing mandates, and requires data destruction while imposing civil penalties for violations.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Health Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 394

Legislative bill overview

HF 394 establishes limitations on contact tracing and digital contact tracing practices during public health emergencies, prohibits employers from mandating digital contact tracing, and requires destruction of collected contact tracing data within specified timeframes. The bill also restricts mandatory disclosure of immunization and testing information, with civil penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Contact tracing became a significant public health and privacy concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about data collection, retention, and government/employer authority. This bill reflects ongoing debate about balancing disease surveillance needs with individual privacy rights and limiting employer authority over health monitoring. The destruction requirements and civil penalties indicate concerns about permanent data retention practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health emergency response: Restricting contact tracing tools could limit disease surveillance capacity during future pandemics, potentially affecting outbreak response speed and effectiveness
  • Data privacy vs. disease control: Mandatory data destruction may conflict with epidemiologists' needs to track disease patterns and conduct research on transmission
  • Employer authority scope: Prohibiting employer-based digital contact tracing may protect workers' privacy but could complicate workplace safety protocols and contact notification during outbreaks
  • Immunization/testing disclosure limits: Restrictions on sharing immunization and test result information may affect workplace safety decisions and public health monitoring during communicable disease outbreaks

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

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