Vermont Business Magazine Today, Speaker Jill Krowinski and Representative Mike Marcotte, Chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, made the following statement on the House passage of S.71, an act relating to consumer data privacy and online surveillance:
“S.71 marks a significant victory for Vermont families, consumers, and businesses as this landmark legislation puts Vermonters back in control of their own data,” said Speaker Krowinski. “In today's digital economy, consumers deserve to know who is collecting their personal information, how it is being used, and who it is being shared with. S.71 delivers on that promise.
“This legislation limits what data can be collected, requires full transparency with consumers about how their data is used, increases protections for sensitive information, and bans manipulative data practices designed to exploit consumers. Most importantly, it gives Vermonters real tools to fight back; the right to correct their data, opt out of collection, obtain a personal copy, and know exactly which third parties have received their data.”
“With the passage of S.71, on a strong tri-partisan vote of 129-3, we’ve made a giant step towards providing Vermonters with the data privacy and control of their data that they have been asking for,’ said Representative Mike Marcotte. “We listened to Vermonters and Vermont businesses in the creation of S.71 and crafted a bill that provides a New England framework for our business community while also providing Vermonters with the opportunity to correct incorrect information and to opt in on whether they want their data sold. It also requires businesses to only collect data on their customers that is only reasonably necessary. I am proud of my committee for all the time and effort that they put into carefully crafting this bill. This is a win for Vermont businesses and all Vermonters.”
“I am thankful for the meticulous, thoughtful work of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, who spent countless hours ensuring this bill strikes the right balance,” said Speaker Krowinski. “This bill is proof that we can pass legislation that is both pro-consumer protection and pro-business. Protecting the privacy of Vermonters and growing a strong Vermont economy are not competing goals, but complementary ones."
The bill had passed the Senate 29-0 in March and in the House 129-3 on May 26.
Learn more about S.71 here.
5.27.2026. MONTPELIER, VT - Speaker
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Vermont Business Magazine