United States of America: Rejected Washington Foundational Data Privacy Act

On 10 March 2022, the Washington Foundational Data Privacy Act (HB 1850), was rejected after failing to pass before the closure of the legislative session. The Act would have created the Washington State Consumer Privacy Commission, which would administer and enforce the rules established by the Act, with the power to investigate alleged violations based on complaints or of its own accord. Further, the Act would have provided the State Attorney General with enforcement powers (in conjunction with the Washington Consumer Protection Act) when a data privacy violation affects the public interest and constitutes an unfair or deceptive trade practice. Finally, the Act would have created a private right of action enabling consumers to ask for an injunction and claim damages for violations of the Act.