zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Social Security Fraud Prevention Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill prohibits federal departments and agencies from including the Social Security account number of any individual on any document sent by mail unless the department or agency head determines that inclusion of that Social Security number on the document is necessary.

Departments and agencies must issue regulations within one year of this bill's enactment that specify the circumstances under which the inclusion of Social Security account numbers on mailed documents is necessary.

Date: 2015-10-21
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Autonomous Vehicle Privacy Protection Act of 2015

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to make publicly available a report that assesses the organizational readiness of the Department of Transportation to address autonomous vehicle technology challenges, including consumer privacy protections.

Date: 2015-11-02
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Family Cord Blood Banking Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat the cost of private umbilical cord blood or tissue, or placental blood or tissue, banking services as a medical care expense for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses.

Date: 2015-11-05
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Taxation
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Internal Revenue Service to withhold from public inspection any social security account number included on the information return of a tax-exempt organization (i.e., Form 990).

Date: 2015-11-18
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Taxation
This bill amends the federal criminal code limit the civil liability of a defendant who misuses personal information in a driving record.

Current law establishes civil liability for a defendant who knowingly obtains, discloses, or uses personal information in a driving record for an unauthorized purpose.

This bill limits a defendant's civil liability to the knowing disclosure or use of a driver's personal information for an unauthorized purpose.

Additionally, it revises the liability standard for punitive damages to require proof that a defendant's conduct was intentional (instead of willful or reckless).

Date: 2015-12-03
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Secure and Protect Americans' Data Act

This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate regulations requiring entities regulated by the FTC, common carriers, and nonprofit organizations to establish information security practices for the treatment and protection of personal information.

At least annually, such entities must evaluate their consumer privacy programs to make any appropriate adjustments for changing technologies, threats or vulnerabilities, or business arrangements.

The bill sets forth special procedures for information brokers to: (1) submit security policies to the FTC, (2) provide for post-breach audits, and (3) establish procedures for individuals to review and correct inaccuracies in their personal information. In lieu of procedures that allow individuals to dispute information, an information broker may provide individuals a means of expressing a preference not to have their information used for marketing purposes.

The bill prohibits information brokers from obtaining or disclosing personal information by false pretenses.

Within 10 days following discovery of a security breach, entities must notify:

 the FTC; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Secret Service; for common carriers, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and attorneys general of affected states. Within 30 days following a breach, entities must notify individuals who are U.S. citizens or residents whose personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired or accessed by an unauthorized person, or used for an unauthorized purpose.

If an entity is required to notify more than 5,000 individuals, the entity must also notify major consumer reporting agencies. An entity must provide notices in print and broadcast media if the affected residents of a state exceed 5,000.

Notices must include information on affected individuals' entitlement to consumer credit reports or credit monitoring services.

The bill exempts entities from notification requirements if the data is unusable, unreadable, or indecipherable.

Entities complying with other federal laws that require substantially similar information security procedures or breach notifications are deemed to be in compliance with the FTC's procedures or the notification requirements of this Act.

Enforcement authority is provided to the FTC and states. States may obtain civil penalties for certain violations.

Date: 2015-12-08
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Commerce
Charitable Giving Privacy Protection Act 

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from requiring or accepting the Social Security account numbers of donors of charitable donations from donee organizations when such organizations are providing substantiation of such donations. The IRS may require the use of an identifier other than a Social Security account number.

Date: 2015-12-17
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Taxation
Taxpayer Identity Theft Protection Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue an identity protection personal identification number to an individual taxpayer, after the taxpayer's true identity has been established and verified, to prevent the misuse of the taxpayer's social security account number on fraudulent income tax returns. IRS must then publicize the availability of such identification numbers, including through electronic means.

Date: 2016-02-03
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Taxation
Data Broker Accountability and Transparency Act of 2016



This bill prohibits data brokers from obtaining or causing to be disclosed personal information or any other information relating to any person by making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, including by providing any document that the broker knows or should know to: (1) be forged, counterfeit, lost, stolen, or fraudulently obtained; or (2) contain a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation.

"Data broker" is defined as a commercial entity that collects, assembles, or maintains personal information concerning an individual who is not a customer or an employee of that entity in order to sell or provide third party access to the information. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may exempt certain data brokers from this Act.

Data brokers must establish procedures to ensure the accuracy of: (1) the personal information they collect, assemble, or maintain; and (2) any other information that specifically identifies an individual, unless the information only identifies an individual's name or address.

Data brokers must also provide individuals a cost-free means to review their personal or identifying information.

Individuals may dispute the accuracy of their personal information with a written request that the data broker make a correction.

With regard to disputed public record information that is available for public inspection from federal, state, or local governments, a data broker must: (1) inform the individual of the source of the information and, if reasonably available, where to direct the individual's request for correction; or (2) correct the inaccuracy in the broker's records if the individual provides proof that the public record has been corrected or that the broker was reporting the information incorrectly.

With regard to disputed non-public information of a private nature, a data broker must: (1) note the information that is disputed, (2) independently verify the information, and (3) correct the inaccuracy if the broker was reporting the information incorrectly.

Data brokers must provide individuals with a reasonable means of expressing a preference to exclude their information from being used, shared, or sold for marketing purposes.

The bill sets forth authority for the FTC and states to enforce this Act.

Date: 2016-02-10
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Commerce
Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to recklessly dispose of or abandon fetal remains in a landfill or in any navigable waters of the United States.

The term "fetal remains" means any part (except a cremated part) of a deceased human fetus following an abortion. 

A violator is subject to a fine, up to three years in prison, or both.

Date: 2016-02-11
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Safeguarding Social Security Numbers Act of 2016

 This bill requires the Social Security Administration to issue uniform standards for the method for: (1) truncation of Social Security account numbers in order to facilitate their protection from use in fraud or identity theft, and (2) encryption of (or another method of securing) those numbers transmitted by means of the Internet.

Such standards shall apply to the federal government whenever it: (1) displays a Social Security account number; and (2) transfers, records, or otherwise utilizes such a number.

No state, local government, or any officer, employee, or contractor of one may display to the general public on the Internet all or any portion of any Social Security account number, except in compliance with such truncation and encryption standards or if the number belongs to a deceased individual. The bill prescribes a civil monetary penalty of up to $5,000 per day for violation of this prohibition.

The Department of Justice shall award grants to state and local governments to carry out activities to remove, redact, or truncate, in accordance with the uniform standards, all Social Security account numbers on forms and records of their executive, legislative, and judicial agencies that would be displayed to the general public on the Internet in violation of this Act.

Date: 2016-02-11
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Ensuring Patient Access to Healthcare Records Act of 2016

This bill amends the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act to allow a health care clearinghouse to use and disclose protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).The uses and disclosures include for:(1)research purposes, (2)public health purposes, and (3)releasing protected health information to individuals that request their information.

Additionally, a clearinghouse may use and disclose protected health information to prepare and distribute reports that are designed to improve healthcare, subject to certain privacy protections.

Date: 2016-03-17
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Conscience Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to codify the prohibition against the federal government and state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortion. Health care providers include health care professionals, health care facilities, social services providers, health care professional training programs, and health insurers.

The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), must investigate complaints alleging discrimination based on an individual's religious belief, moral conviction, or refusal to be involved in an abortion.

DOJ or any entity adversely affected by such discrimination may obtain equitable or legal relief in a civil action. Administrative remedies do not need to be sought or exhausted prior to commencing an action or granting relief. Such an action may be brought against a governmental entity.

Date: 2016-03-22
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Protect Our Devices Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the federal government from requiring a person to assist in devising a method for breaking the encryption of a wire or oral communication.

Date: 2016-03-22
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2016

This bill imposes criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly or knowingly attempts to: (1) perform an abortion knowing that the abortion is sought based on the sex, gender, color or race of the child, or the race of a parent; (2) use force or the threat of force to intentionally injure or intimidate any person for the purpose of coercing a sex-selection or race-selection abortion; (3) solicit or accept funds for the performance of such an abortion; or (4) transport a woman into the United States or across a state line for the purpose of obtaining such an abortion.

Violations or attempted violations shall result in fines and/or imprisonment for up to five years.

The bill authorizes civil actions (for verifiable money damages for injuries and punitive damages) by: (1) fathers, or maternal grandparents if the mother is an unemancipated minor, of unborn children who are the subject of an abortion performed or attempted through any of the above violations; or (2) women upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted with a knowing or attempted use of force or threat of force to intentionally injure or intimidate any person for the purpose of coercing a sex-selection or race-selection abortion. To prevent an abortion provider from performing or attempting further abortions in violation of this bill, the bill authorizes injunctive relief to be obtained by: (1) the women upon whom such an abortion is performed or attempted, (2) a maternal grandparent of the unborn child if the woman is an unemancipated minor, (3) the father of such an unborn child, or (4) the Department of Justice.

Violations of this bill are deemed to be prohibited discrimination under title VI (Federally Assisted Programs) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Violators of title VI lose federal funding.)

Medical or mental health professionals must report known or suspected violations to law enforcement authorities. Criminal penalties are established for a failure to so report.

A woman having such an abortion may not be prosecuted or held civilly liable.

Courts must make such orders as necessary to protect the anonymity of any woman upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted if she does not give her written consent to such disclosure. In the absence of such a woman's written consent, any party, other than a public official, who brings an action must use a pseudonym.

For purposes of this bill, "abortion" is defined as the act of using or prescribing any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance, device, or means with the intent to terminate the clinically diagnosable pregnancy of a woman, with knowledge that the termination by those means will, with reasonable likelihood, cause the death of the unborn child, unless the act is intended to: (1) save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child, (2) remove a dead unborn child caused by spontaneous abortion, or (3) remove an ectopic pregnancy.

Date: 2016-04-13
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Social Networking Online Protection Act

This bill prohibits employers from: (1) requiring or requesting that employees or applicants for employment provide their passwords or any other means for accessing their private email accounts or personal online accounts, including social networking websites; or (2) discharging, disciplining, discriminating against, denying employment or promotion to, or threatening to take any such action against employees or applicants who refuse to provide such information, file a complaint or institute a proceeding under this bill, or testify in any such proceeding.

Employers who violate these prohibitions are subject to: (1) civil penalties; (2) the authority of the Department of Labor to bring injunctive actions; and (3) the jurisdiction of U.S. district courts to provide legal or equitable relief including employment, reinstatement, promotion, and payment of lost wages and benefits.

The Higher Education Act of 1965 and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 are amended to prohibit certain institutions of higher education and local educational agencies from requesting such password or account information from students or potential students. The bill prohibits denial of admission, suspension, expulsion, and other discipline or discrimination against students who decline to provide such information, file a complaint, institute a proceeding, or testify in any related proceeding.

Date: 2016-04-28
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
Over-The-Counter Contraceptives Act of 2016

This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prioritize review of supplemental drug applications (applications to modify the approved use of a drug) for contraceptive drugs intended for routine use that would be available to individuals aged 18 and older without a prescription. The FDA must waive user fees for such supplemental drug applications. Any drug that is eligible for this priority review must be a prescription drug for individuals under age 18.

This bill repeals provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 to allow health savings accounts and health flexible spending accounts (HFSAs) to be used to pay for medicine without a prescription and to remove the limit on salary reduction contributions to a HFSA under a cafeteria plan, effective as if the provisions had never been enacted.

Date: 2016-04-29
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Jessie's Law

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to permit disclosure of patient records relating to substance abuse with the patient's oral consent or the consent of the patient's parent, legal guardian, or spouse. (Currently, disclosure is permitted only with the patient's written consent.)

Interchange of such records is permitted within accountable care organizations, health information exchanges, and integrated care arrangements for purposes of attaining interoperability, improving care coordination, reducing health care costs, and securing or providing patient safety.

The Department of Health and Human Services must develop and disseminate standards for hospitals and physicians regarding displaying a patient's history of opioid addiction in the patient's medical records with the patient's consent.

Date: 2016-04-29
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide to each veteran who submits a claim for veterans' benefits an opportunity to permit a designated congressional employee in the office of the Member of Congress representing the district where the veteran resides to have read-only access to all of such veteran's records in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) databases. .

Such congressional employee may not be recognized as an agent or attorney.

None of the amounts made available to carry out this bill may be used to design, develop, or administer training to such employees.

Date: 2016-05-03
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Fighting Medicare Fraud Act of 2016

This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to expand the authority of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to exclude from participation in federal health programs certain affiliates of a sanctioned entity. (A "sanctioned entity" is one that has been convicted of one of several specified crimes or excluded from participation under either Medicare or a state health care program.)

The bill also establishes criminal penalties for the illegal purchase, sale, or distribution of two or more federal health program beneficiary or provider numbers.

In addition, the bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSAct to require Medicare Advantage organizations to report instances of fraud or abuse to CMS within 60 days.

Date: 2016-05-17
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Protection for Progeny Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly destroy a living human embryo created through in vitro fertilization without the written consent of each progenitor. A progenitor is an individual who provides an egg or a sperm cell from which an embryo is created.

A violator is subject to a fine, up to six months in prison, or both.

The prohibition does not apply to the destruction of an embryo during or after an attempt to implant it.

Additionally, the bill bars the criminal prosecution of a progenitor of an embryo that is destroyed.

Date: 2016-05-17
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 25, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Social Security Must Avert Identity Loss (MAIL) Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Social Security Administration to ensure that no document it sends by mail includes a complete Social Security account number unless necessary.

Date: 2016-05-25
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Social welfare
Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish procedures to expedite the review of, and seek an indictment in, any case involving identity theft or aggravated identity theft by an individual who impersonates an employee or officer of the Internal Revenue Service.

DOJ must submit to Congress and publish a report that contains certain information on the status of prosecutions for such offenses.

Date: 2016-05-26
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Birth Control Privacy Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit wellness programs from sharing with an employer information related to an individual's use of contraceptives.

Date: 2016-07-13
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Hold Top Officials Accountable Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime for a highly placed official to: (1) knowingly disclose classified information to an unauthorized person, or (2) through gross negligence, place classified information on unsecured server, mobile device, laptop, computer, or other electronic device, or otherwise make classified information potentially more available to an unauthorized person.

The term “highly placed official” means a Member of Congress or an official who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

A violator is subject to a fine and a two-year mandatory minimum prison term.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill amends title II (Old Age,Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to establish cost-effective procedures to ensure that a Social Security account number (or a derivative) is not displayed, coded, or embedded on a Medicare card issued to an individual entitled to benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) or part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of that Act, and that any other identifier displayed on the card is not identifiable as such an account number.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Intimate Privacy Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful to knowingly distribute a photograph, film, or video of a person engaging in sexually explicit conduct or of a person's naked genitals or post-pubescent female nipple with reckless disregard for the person's lack of consent if the person is identifiable from the image itself or from information displayed in connection with the image. The bill establishes exceptions to the ban.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Human-Animal Chimera Prohibition Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly: (1) create, transport, or receive a human-animal chimera; (2) transfer a human embryo into a nonhuman womb; or (3) transfer a nonhuman embryo into a human womb. The term “human-animal chimera” means an organism that, from an early stage of development, contains human and non-human parts.

A violator is subject to civil and criminal penalties.

Date: 2016-09-22
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Providing Certainty for Progenitors Act of 2016 

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to have physical custody of a living human embryo and refuse to release the embryo for implantation in a willing implantee at the request of one of the progenitors of that embryo. A progenitor is an individual who provides an egg or a sperm cell from which an embryo is created.

A violator is subject to a fine, up to three months in prison, or both.

Additionally, the bill bars the criminal prosecution of a progenitor of an embryo that is not implanted.

Date: 2016-11-14
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Interstate Doxxing Prevention Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to use the mail or any facility or means of interstate commerce to knowingly publish (or attempt or conspire to publish) personally identifiable information of another person with the intent to threaten, intimidate, harass, or stalk, and as a result, place that person in reasonable fear of death or seriously bodily injury to that person, or to that person's family member or intimate partner.

A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both—and civil liability.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Abortion Non-Discrimination Act of 2015

Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the federal government and any state or local government receiving federal financial assistance from subjecting an institutional or individual health care entity, including any health professional, facility, organization, or insurance plan, to discrimination on the basis that the entity refuses to participate in abortion-related activities.

Creates a cause of action for any violation of the abortion discrimination prohibition. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to prevent and redress actual or threatened violations by issuing legal or equitable relief, including injunctions and orders preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance until the prohibited conduct has ceased. Gives standing to institute an action to affected health care entities and the Attorney General.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate the HHS Office for Civil Rights to receive and investigate complaints alleging a violation of abortion discrimination prohibition.

Date: 2015-01-07
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act

Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) from providing federal family planning assistance to an entity unless the entity certifies that, during the period of assistance, the entity will not perform, and will not provide funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion. Excludes an abortion where: (1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or (2) a physician certifies that the woman suffered from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy. Excludes hospitals that do not provide funds to non-hospital entities that perform abortions.

Requires HHS to provide Congress annually: (1) information on grantees who performed abortions under the exceptions, and (2) a list of entities to which grant funds are made available.

Date: 2015-01-07
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act

Requires a person who performs an abortion to have admitting privileges at a local hospital and notify the patient of the location of the hospital where the patient can receive follow-up care by the person if complications arise. Exempts from these requirements a person who performs an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical condition. Subjects to fines and/or imprisonment any person who knowingly performs an abortion but fails to comply with this Act.

Prohibits a woman upon whom an abortion is performed from being prosecuted for conspiracy to violate this Act.

Requires each abortion clinic that receives federal funds or assistance to be licensed by the state and be in compliance with the requirements for ambulatory surgery centers under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, except for requirements related to a certificate of public need. Allows a state board of health to waive the application of certain structural requirements for licensing purposes in order to comply with this Act.

Date: 2015-01-07
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015

Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate regulations requiring commercial entities, nonprofit and for-profit corporations, estates, trusts, cooperatives, and other specified entities that own or possess data containing personal information (covered entities), or that contract to have a third-party maintain or process such data for the entity, to implement information security policies and procedures for the treatment and protection of personal information.

Establishes procedures to be followed in the event of an information security breach. Requires a covered entity that discovers a breach to notify the FTC (unless the covered entity has already notified a federal entity designated by the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] to receive such information) and affected individuals. Sets forth requirements concerning such notification, including methods of notification and timeliness requirements. Allows an exemption from notification requirements if such entity reasonably concludes that there is no reasonable risk of identity theft, fraud, or other unlawful conduct. Establishes a presumption that there is no such risk for encrypted data.

Directs DHS to designate a federal entity that covered entities would be required to notify if a security breach involves: (1) the personal information of more than 10,000 individuals, (2) a database containing the personal information of more than 1 million individuals, (3) federal government databases, or (4) the personal information of federal employees or contractors known to be involved in national security or law enforcement.

Requires the designated entity to provide each notice it receives to:

 the U.S. Secret Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the FTC; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, if mail fraud is involved; attorneys general of affected states; and appropriate federal agencies for law enforcement, national security, or data security purposes. Sets forth enforcement provisions for the FTC, state attorneys general, and the Attorney General.

Establishes criminal penalties of a fine, imprisonment for up to five years, or both, for concealment of a security breach that results in economic harm of at least $1,000 to an individual.

Date: 2015-01-13
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Commerce
Child Custody Protection Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit knowingly transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minor's state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minor's abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to save the life of the minor.

Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place.

Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on anyone who has committed an act of incest with a minor and knowingly transports such minor across a state line to obtain an abortion.

Date: 2015-01-21
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Health Care Provider and Hospital Conscience Protection Act

Prohibits the federal government and any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance from discriminating or retaliating against any individual or health care entity because of a refusal to recommend, refer for, provide coverage for, pay for, provide, perform, assist, or participate in any abortion. Includes within prohibited discrimination: (1) denial, deprivation, or disqualification in licensing; (2) withholding accreditations, authorizations, loans, grants, aids, assistance, benefits, or privileges; and (3) withholding authorization to expand, improve, finance, or create facilities or programs.

Creates a cause of action for any violation of this Act. Gives federal courts jurisdiction to order any form of legal or equitable relief, including injunctive relief or an order preventing the disbursement of all or a portion of federal financial assistance to a state government until the prohibited conduct has ceased.

 Authorizes the Attorney General to file a civil action seeking injunctive or declaratory relief to enforce compliance with this Act. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate the HHS Office for Civil Rights to receive and investigate complaints alleging a violation of this Act.

 Requires this Act to be construed in favor of broad conscience protection for individuals and health care entities to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of this Act and the Constitution.

Date: 2015-01-21
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Geolocational Privacy and Surveillance Act or the GPS Act

 Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit intentionally: (1) intercepting geolocation information pertaining to another person; (2) disclosing to any other person such information pertaining to another, knowing that the information was obtained in violation of this Act; (3) using geolocation information, knowing that the information was obtained in violation of this Act; or (4) disclosing to any other person the geolocation information pertaining to another person intercepted by means authorized under this Act, knowing that the information was obtained in connection with a criminal investigation, having obtained or received information in connection with a criminal investigation, with intent to improperly obstruct, impede, or interfere with a duly authorized criminal investigation. Sets penalties for violations.

Makes specified exceptions for interceptions involving: (1) information acquired by a provider of a covered service (electronic communication service, remote computing service, or geolocation information service) in the normal course of business; (2) federal officers, employees, or agents conducting foreign intelligence surveillance; (3) persons having given prior consent; (4) public information; (5) emergency information; (6) theft; and (7) a warrant.

Prohibits: (1) a person providing a covered service from intentionally divulging geolocation information pertaining to another person, with exceptions; and (2) the use of such information, and evidence derived from it, as evidence. Authorizes: (1) the use of geolocation information by investigative or law enforcement officers, or by a state's principal prosecuting attorney, to intercept such information under specified emergency circumstances; and (2) the recovery of civil damages by any person whose geolocation information is intercepted, disclosed, or intentionally used in violation of this Act.

Modifies the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a search warrant to acquire geolocation information.

 Amends the federal criminal code to include any geolocation information service within the definition of a "covered entity" for purposes of provisions prohibiting obtaining confidential phone records information from such an entity by fraud or related activity.

 Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review the federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of fraud and related activity in connection with obtaining certain confidential phone records information.

Prohibits acquiring geolocation information of a person for protective activities or law enforcement or intelligence purposes except pursuant to a warrant issued under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Date: 2015-01-22
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Electronic Communications Privacy Act Amendments Act of 2015 

Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a provider of remote computing service or electronic communication service to the public from knowingly divulging to a governmental entity the contents of any communication that is in electronic storage or otherwise maintained by the provider, subject to exceptions.

Revises provisions under which the government may require a provider to disclose the contents of such communications. Eliminates the different requirements applicable under current law depending on whether such communications were: (1) stored for fewer than, or more than, 180 days by an electronic communication service; or (2) held by an electronic communication service as opposed to a remote computing service.

Requires the government to obtain a warrant from a court before requiring providers to disclose the content of such communications regardless of how long the communication has been held in electronic storage by an electronic communication service or whether the information is sought from an electronic communication service or a remote computing service.

Requires a law enforcement agency, within 10 days after receiving the contents of a customer's communication, or a governmental entity, within 3 days, to provide a customer whose communications were disclosed by the provider a copy of the warrant and a notice that such information was requested by, and supplied to, the government entity. Allows the government to request delays of such notifications.

Prohibits disclosure requirements that apply to providers from being construed to limit the government's authority to use an administrative or civil discovery subpoena to require: (1) an originator or recipient of an electronic communication to disclose the contents of such communication, or (2) an entity that provides electronic communication services to its employees or agents to disclose the contents of an electronic communication to or from such employee or agent if the communication is on an electronic communications system owned or operated by the entity.

Allows the government to apply for an order directing a provider, for a specified period, to refrain from notifying any other person that the provider has been required to disclose communications or records.

Requires a Government Accountability Office report regarding disclosures of customer communications and records under provisions: (1) as in effect before the enactment of this bill, and (2) as amended by this bill.

Date: 2015-02-04
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Privacy Notice Modernization Act of 2015

 Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to exempt from its annual written privacy policy notice requirement any financial institution which: (1) provides nonpublic personal information only in accordance with specified requirements, (2) has not changed its policies and practices with respect to disclosing nonpublic personal information from those disclosed in the most recent disclosure sent to consumers, and (3) otherwise provides customers access to such most recent disclosure in electronic or other form permitted by specified regulations.

Date: 2015-02-10
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Preserving Access to Targeted, Individualized, and Effective New Treatments and Services (PATIENTS) Act of 2015 or the PATIENTS Act of 2015

Prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using data obtained from comparative effectiveness research, including any conducted or supported using funds appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or authorized or appropriated under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to deny or delay coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program.

Requires HHS to ensure that comparative effectiveness research conducted or supported by the federal government accounts for factors contributing to differences in the treatment response and treatment preferences of patients, including patient-reported outcomes, genomics and personalized medicine, the unique needs of health disparity populations, and indirect patient benefits.

Date: 2015-02-12
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Health
Law Enforcement Access to Data Stored Abroad Act

 Amends the federal criminal code to authorize a governmental entity to require the disclosure by a provider of electronic communication service or remote computing service of the contents of a wire or electronic communication that is in electronic storage with or otherwise stored, held, or maintained by the provider only pursuant to a warrant issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Authorizes such a warrant to require such disclosure regardless of where such contents may be in electronic storage or otherwise stored, held, or maintained by the provider if the holder of the account the contents of which are sought by the warrant is a U.S. person. Requires a court, on a service provider's motion, to modify or vacate such a warrant upon finding that it would require the provider to violate the laws of a foreign country.

Sets forth requirements for government notification of provider customers or subscribers regarding the receipt of communication contents pursuant to such a warrant.

Directs the Attorney General to: (1) establish a form for use by a foreign government filing a mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT) request; (2) establish an online docketing system for all MLAT requests; and (3) publish statistics annually on MLAT requests made by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to foreign governments, and by foreign governments to DOJ, to obtain the contents of communications or other information or records from a provider of electronic communications or remote computing services.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) data localization requirements imposed by foreign governments on data providers are incompatible with the borderless nature of the Internet, an impediment to online innovation, and unnecessary to meet the needs of law enforcement; and (2) DOJ, the Department of State, and the U.S. Trade Representative should pursue open data flow policies with foreign nations.

Date: 2015-02-12
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2015

This bill prohibits federal funds, including funds in the budget of the District of Columbia, from being expended for abortion or health coverage that includes coverage of abortion. Abortions are eligible for federal funding only in cases of rape or incest, or where a physical condition endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. Currently, federal funding of abortion and health coverage that includes abortion is prohibited, with the same exceptions.

Health care provided in a federal health care facility or by a federal employee may not include abortions that are ineligible for federal funding.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow premium assistance tax credits or health insurance tax credits for qualified health plans that cover abortions ineligible for federal funding.

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Office of Personnel Management to ensure that multi-state qualified health plans offered on health insurance exchanges do not cover abortions ineligible for federal funding.

A qualified health plan's coverage of abortion must be disclosed to enrollees at the time of enrollment and must be prominently displayed in marketing materials, comparison tools, or any summary of benefits and coverage made available by the plan issuer, a health insurance exchange, or the Department of Health and Human Services. The amount of a plan's premium that is attributable to coverage of abortions ineligible for federal funding must be disclosed in material where the premium is disclosed.

Date: 2015-02-26
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Civil rights and liberties, minority issues
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Driver Privacy Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Declares that any data in an event data recorder required to be installed in a passenger motor vehicle (as provided for under Department of Transportation [DOT] regulations concerning the collection, storage, and retrievability of onboard motor vehicle crash event data) is the property of the owner or lessee of the vehicle in which the recorder is installed, regardless of when the vehicle was manufactured.

Prohibits a person, other than the owner or lessee of the motor vehicle, from accessing data recorded or transmitted by such a recorder unless:

 a court or other judicial or administrative authority authorizes the retrieval of such data subject to admissibility of evidence standards; an owner or lessee consents to such retrieval for any purpose, including vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair; the data is retrieved pursuant to certain authorized investigations or inspections of the National Transportation Safety Board or DOT; the data is retrieved to determine the appropriate emergency medical response to a motor vehicle crash; or the data is retrieved for traffic safety research, and the owner's or lessee's personally identifiable information and the vehicle identification number are not disclosed. (Sec. 3) Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, after completing a study and submitting a report to Congress, to promulgate regulations concerning the amount of time event data recorders installed in passenger motor vehicles may capture and record vehicle-related data to provide accident investigators with pertinent crash-related information.

Date: 2015-03-17
Topic: Civil Rights (Right to Privacy)
Subject: Transportation and public works