SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — New California legislation that will add to the state's current data privacy law and expand the role of the state attorney general guidance on consumer privacy has been introduced in the state legislature.
Senate Bill 561, introduced by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and state Sen, Hannah-Beth Jackson, removes the attorney general's requirements to give "individual legal counsel" regarding the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) at taxpayer expense.
In addition, the bill stops companies from being allowed to "cure" CCPA violations prior to enforcement and gives consumers the right to seek legal options for themselves, according to Becerra's office.
“California, the nation’s hub for innovation, has long led the way to protect consumers in the digital age," Becerra said in a statement. "And as we work to strengthen data privacy law, the world is watching. It’s essential that we get this right."
“Our constitutional right to privacy continues to face unprecedented assault," Jackson added. "Our locations, relationships and interests are being tracked, bought and sold by corporate interests for their own economic gain and in order to manipulate us. With the passage of the California Consumer Privacy Act last year, California took an important first step in protecting our fundamental right to privacy. SB 561 will ensure that the most significant privacy protections in the nation are robustly enforced.”