This bill introduces a new chapter, Chapter 507-I, to the New Hampshire Revised Statutes, establishing an expectation of privacy for personal information maintained by government entities. It defines key terms such as "government entity," "personal information," and "third-party providers of information and services." The bill stipulates that individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding their personal information that is not publicly accessible. It prohibits government entities from acquiring, collecting, retaining, or using personal information from third-party providers, with specific exceptions outlined for regulatory functions, emergencies, and cases where individuals provide consent.
Additionally, the bill amends RSA 359-N:2, I(c) to include a reference to the new Chapter 507-I, thereby reinforcing the prohibition on obtaining or retaining biometric data unless specified in the new chapter or existing law. The bill also establishes penalties for violations, including misdemeanor charges and civil damages of at least $1,000 for individuals harmed by violations. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and its implementation may lead to indeterminable costs for the state and local governments due to potential impacts on the judicial and correctional systems.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 359-N:2