CCUL-Backed Data Breach Legislation Approved by California State Senate Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif.–The California State Senate’s Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved legislation designed to hold retailers responsible for protecting consumer information by a 14-1 vote. According to Keri Bailey, lobbyist for the California Credit Union League, the bill is expected move to the Senate floor on Sept. 5. Until then, she told the Credit Union Journal, “We will continue our lobbying efforts, first on the Senate floor, then, if approved by the Senate, to get any amendments approved by the Assembly. If the Assembly approves it, the bill moves to the governor’s desk. He has 30 days to approve or veto the bill, and we will be turning up the heat on him for every one of those 30 days.” The bill began in the California State Assembly, which approved it June 5 by an overwhelming, 55-2 vote. The legislation is supported by the California Credit Union League and is opposed by the California Bankers Association and other groups. The CCUL said the bill addresses three deficiencies the credit union movement sees in California’s existing data breach notification law.