United States of America: Bill amending the Genetic Information Privacy Act to revise privacy laws related to biometric, genetic, and neural data (SB 163) introduced to Montana Senate

On 15 January 2025, a Bill amending the Genetic Information Privacy Act to revise privacy laws related to biometric, genetic, and neural data (SB 163) was introduced to the Montana Senate. The Bill expands the act's scope to include "neural data," defined as data generated by measuring nervous system activity. It emphasises the sensitive nature of neural data, requiring express consent for its collection, use, or disclosure and strengthening privacy protections. It mandates clear privacy notices, consumer access, data deletion rights, and security protocols. The Bill prohibits the disclosure of neural or genetic data to insurers or employers without consent and restricts its storage or transfer to sanctioned or adversarial countries. Government access to genetic or neural data requires a court-issued warrant or subpoena. The Bill also sets detailed consent requirements for research use and storage.