HB 6002, An Act Subjecting State Agencies To The Same Data Protection And Privacy Laws As The Private Sector

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Friday, March 14, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 6002, An Act Subjecting State Agencies To The Same Data Protection And Privacy Laws As The Private Sector. CHA opposes the bill.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

HB 6002 seeks to eliminate the state government’s entity-level exemption from the consumer privacy data law first passed in 2023 and codified at Chapter 743jj, leaving “political subdivisions” as the only governmental bodies with the exemption. (Under Connecticut law, political subdivisions are counties, towns, boroughs, and municipalities. See Sections 7-195 and 28-1 of the general statutes.)

CHA opposes the bill because it would not improve data privacy or security, but it would hinder state government work across myriad industries, including in the healthcare sector. It is not possible for the state to allow individual consumers the level of control over data about them that is required of most private businesses in Chapter 743jj while simultaneously collecting and using the data to carry out the important work of state government.

Alternatively, if the bill moves forward, there should instead be a study that identifies the full inventory of such data uses by state government, the likely impact and added costs on the state and its residents of losing the exemption, a review of the current privacy and security protections for such data when used or held by the state, and an assessment of practical recommendations to improve data privacy and security if the identified means are determined inadequate.

We urge the committee to reject HB 6002 as it undermines the necessary and fundamental work of state government.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.