Hughes Bill Requires A Data Off Switch For Smart Devices

The text as introduced · 646 words

89R4589 PRL-D

By: Hughes
S.B. No. 726

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to requiring operators of smart devices to provide

information to users about the collection of personal data.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Title 12, Business & Commerce Code, is amended by

adding Chapter 611 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 611. SMART DEVICE DATA COLLECTION TRANSPARENCY

Sec. 611.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Personal data" means information relating to a

user's active or passive usage of a smart device.

(2) "Smart device" means a home appliance, consumer

electronic device, or wearable device that:

(A) connects to the Internet;

(B) collects and stores biometrics, data,

images, sound, video, or voice recordings in the course of its

operation; and

(C) has the ability to transmit data to the

device's manufacturer or retailer or to a third party, regardless

of whether this feature is enabled.

(3) "Smart device operator" means:

(A) the manufacturer of a smart device; or

(B) another person who:

(i) remotely operates, monitors, or updates

the smart device;

(ii) provides physical or digital services

to a user of a smart device; or

(iii) receives, or has the capacity to

receive, the personal data of the user of a smart device.

(4) "User" means an individual who:

(A) purchases a smart device;

(B) actively or passively uses a smart device;

(C) lives in a dwelling to which a smart device is

fixed, or where a smart device is regularly used; or

(D) wears a smart device.

Sec. 611.002. APPLICABILITY. (a) This chapter applies to a

smart device operator who:

(1) does business in this state;

(2) manufactures, sells, or operates a smart device in

this state; or

(3) processes or engages in the sale of personal data

captured by a smart device used in this state.

(b) This chapter does not apply to a state agency, a

political subdivision of this state, or a utility provider doing

business in this state.

Sec. 611.003. REQUIREMENT TO SUMMARIZE PERSONAL DATA

COLLECTION. (a) A smart device operator shall develop and offer to

users a mobile application that provides a user with information

regarding:

(1) the nature of the personal data collected by the

smart device;

(2) the purposes for which the personal data is

collected and stored;

(3) the methods by which a user's personal data is

captured, including the use of any audio, biometric, or video

recording devices;

(4) the personal data stored by the smart device

operator;

(5) whether the personal data is stored locally on the

smart device or transmitted to another location;

(6) the security and privacy policies governing the

storage of the personal data;

(7) the identity of all persons with the ability to

access the personal data; and

(8) the identity of all third parties with which a

user's personal data is shared, including whether the personal data

is anonymized before being shared with the third party.

(b) The mobile application must provide the user with

information updated at least once a month.

(c) The mobile application must allow a user to:

(1) view the information described by Subsection (a);

(2) stop the acquisition of personal data through the

smart device; and

(3) stop the use of any audio, biometric, or video

recording features on the smart device.

Sec. 611.004. USER NOTIFICATION. (a) On at least a

quarterly basis, a smart device operator shall notify each user for

which the operator has contact information of the availability of

the mobile application and the methods by which the application may

be used to customize personal data collection and sharing.

(b) The notification under Subsection (a) must:

(1) be sent to the user by text message, e-mail, or

regular mail; and

(2) be sent in a communication containing only the

notification required under Subsection (a).

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.