Legislature(2017 - 2018)BARNES 124
03/30/2018 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB15 | |
| SB165 | |
| SB45 | |
| HB384 | |
| HB230 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 384 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 230 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 15 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 165 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 45 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 230-TELECOMMUNICATIONS & INTERNET PRIVACY
4:20:23 PM
CHAIR KITO announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 230, "An Act relating to the collection of
customer information by telecommunications and Internet service
providers; and establishing an unfair trade practice under the
Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act."
4:20:36 PM
PATRICK FITZGERALD, Staff, Representative Harriet Drummond,
Alaska State Legislature, reintroduced HB 230 on behalf of
Representative Drummond, prime sponsor. He paraphrased the
sponsor statement which reads as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
House Bill 230 restricts any telecommunication service
or internet service provider from collecting personal
information of a private customer without the consent
of the customer to protect the privacy and individual
liberty of every Alaskan.
Alaska is one of the most independent states in the
Union which is reflected by the citizens who live
here. In a time of the most technologically advanced
society, Alaskans pride themselves on independence,
individual liberty and privacy. HB230 will protect
privacy of Alaskans' personal information stored on a
cyber based utility.
Cell phones, computers, laptops and tablets are all
modern tools with which private citizens are able to
conduct commerce and trade. Online shopping and bill
paying have become very popular with easy
accessibility to businesses and providers. Many of
these devices have the capability to retain memory of
any account number, social security number, credit
card information, medical information and online
purchases. Passing HB 230 will put into law that
telecommunication companies and internet service
providers must be given consent by the user of any
service or device before selling, trading, or gifting
information entered by a private citizen.
HB230 prevents discrimination of users who decline to
allow the sharing of personal information by
telecommunication companies and internet service
providers. HB230 simply restricts large companies from
selling information of a private citizen to the
highest bidder without the consent of the user.
Passing HB230 will assure users of cyber connected
devices that no information is collected without the
express written consent of the user. HB230 keeps
Alaskans' information private, preserving the
individual liberty and independence of every Alaskan.
4:22:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH shared his concern about unintended
consequences with the proposed bill.
MR. FITZGERALD emphasized that the aim is not to accuse any
Alaska ISP of acting in the way described in the bill. He
stated the interest is in putting something in place in the
absence of federal law.
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH said that it strikes him there is a
presumption of guilt.
4:25:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL said he wonders how the effects of the bill
"will play out."
MR. FITZGERALD answered that ISPs have contracts. He said that
if ISPs are found to be selling information without consent, the
bill would provide for civil recourse.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked whether the behavior is occurring
currently.
MR. FITZGERALD answered the legislation was suggested by the
Council of State Governments in reaction to the roll-back of
federal legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL asked whether the proposed bill is
preemptive.
4:31:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIET DRUMMOND, Alaska State Legislature,
reintroduced HB 230 as prime sponsor. She answered that the
proposed bill does not have anything to do with net neutrality.
She described the legislative internet offering in the Capitol
Building. She said the bill would pertain to business and
resident internet contracts.
CHAIR KITO asked whether Alaska ISPs are not currently treating
consumers with respect.
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND answered the proposed bill is
preemptive.
CHAIR KITO noted there is a penalty section in the bill. He
asked what the penalty is for violation of the provision.
MR. FITZGERALD shared his understanding that penalties would be
established by the department governing the issue.
CHAIR KITO asked to receive information on penalties.
4:35:38 PM
CHAIR KITO stated that public testimony is still open. Upon
ascertaining that no one was available to testify, he closed
public testimony on HB 230.
4:36:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BIRCH stated he does not support the proposed
bill.
4:37:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WOOL said he would like to have more information
on the proposed bill.
CHAIR KITO held over HB 230.