Washington’s consumer data privacy bill continued its journey through the Legislature picking up a striking amendment in the House.

SB 6281 brings sweeping changes to consumer privacy regulations in Washington. While cities are not subject to these new regulations, the amended bill reinstates a preemption clause allowing new state regulations to supersede a city’s consumer privacy regulations. However, city regulations enacted prior to the effective date of the bill are exempt from preemption.

Additionally, the bill as amended, adds a requirement for the Office of Privacy and Data Protection to compile a report summarizing what consumer data is protected and not protected by these new regulations. Included in that report will be a list of information that is publicly available from local government sources. This will require city staff to coordinate with the Office of Privacy and Data Protection to report what type of consumer information the city maintains. This could require significant staff time and resources.

AWC opposes these changes to SB 6281 and encourages cities to contact their legislators with concerns.