The proposed bill seeks to enhance consumer data privacy in West Virginia by introducing a new article to the Code of West Virginia that addresses the collection, use, and sharing of personal information by businesses. It defines key terms such as "personal information," "business," and "consumer," and establishes consumer rights, including the right to request copies of personal data, the right to have personal information deleted or corrected, and the right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information with third parties. The bill also prohibits discrimination against consumers exercising these rights and mandates that businesses maintain an online privacy policy detailing consumer rights and the categories of personal information collected.

Additionally, the bill empowers the West Virginia Division of Consumer Protection to enforce these provisions, allowing it to take legal action against businesses that violate the law. It introduces penalties for noncompliance, with fines of up to $2,500 for unintentional violations and $7,500 for intentional violations, particularly for violations involving minors. The legislation emphasizes transparency and accountability in how businesses handle consumer data, ensuring that consumers have greater control over their personal information and are informed about their rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 46A-9-1, 46A-9-2, 46A-9-3, 46A-9-4, 46A-9-5, 46A-9-6, 46A-9-7, 46A-9-8, 46A-9-9, 46A-9-10, 46A-9-11