US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB7280

Introduced
1/30/26  
Refer
1/30/26  

Caption

Veteran DATA Act Veteran Data Accountability for Third-party Actors Act

Impact

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must ensure that all relevant contracts include stipulations preventing the monetization or misuse of sensitive personal information. Notably, it requires updated guidelines for both government employees and contractors on identifying potential violations regarding the handling of such protected data. This move not only fortifies the legal framework surrounding veterans' personal information but also aligns with broader national trends advocating for enhanced data privacy measures.

Summary

House Bill 7280, titled the 'Veteran Data Accountability for Third-party Actors Act' or the 'Veteran DATA Act', seeks to enhance the protections surrounding sensitive personal information held by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from entering into any contracts that allow for the sale or disclosure of sensitive personal information. This significant legislative move is aimed at safeguarding veterans' data, which has faced increasing scrutiny over privacy concerns in recent years.

Contention

Despite the proactive intent behind HB 7280, some lawmakers and advocacy groups express concerns about the feasibility of enforcing these regulations effectively. The language of the bill could lead to ambiguity regarding what constitutes sensitive personal information and whether existing contracts could be retroactively held to these new standards. Additionally, there are discussions about whether this bill could place undue burdens on the VA and its contractors, potentially affecting the timeliness and efficiency of services provided to veterans.

Companion Bills

US HB7241

Related Protect Veterans from the THIEF Act Protect Veterans from the Theft of Health and Identifying Information in Electronic Forms Act

Previously Filed As

US HB7241

Protect Veterans from the THIEF Act Protect Veterans from the Theft of Health and Identifying Information in Electronic Forms Act

US HB3571

Veterans Administration Backlog Accountability Act of 2025

US HB109

TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures for Veteran Caregivers Act

US HB6904

Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement and Accountability Act

US SB124

Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025 Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2025

US HB472

Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025 Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2025

US HB5665

ACE Veterans Act Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans Act

US SB2943

ACE Veterans Act Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans Act

US SB3174

VA CBA Act of 2025 Veterans Affairs Care and Benefits Accountability Act of 2025

US HB3132

CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 Certified Help Options in Claims Expertise for Veterans Act of 2025

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.