To Washington.

Now, this morning, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ashley Watch testified before Congress in support of the Secure Data Act, a piece of federal legislation that would create a clear set of national rules for businesses that collect consumer data.

The Secure Data Act closely mirrors legislation already passed here in Kentucky.

Here's more from Kentucky Edition's Clayton Dalton.

In 2024, the Kentucky General Assembly unanimously passed House Bill 15, the Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act.

It established regulations for businesses that collect consumers personal data and outlined consumer rights, like the ability to opt out of targeted advertising and stop the sale of one's personal information.

Now, similar legislation sits before the US Congress.

This morning, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ashley Watts testified in support of the Secure Data Act.

The Secure Data Act is built on bipartisan support laws, just like the one we passed in Kentucky.

It provides consumers with strong privacy protections the right to access, correct, delete and import their data, opt out right and opt in requirements for sensitive information.

What's noted the strong bipartisan support the measure received in Kentucky.

Kentucky is a bit of a unique state.

We have a supermajority Republican legislature and a Democratic governor.

House Bill 15, which is very similar to the Secure act, passed unanimously with strong bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear.

And it is a law that the Kentucky Chamber is proud of leaving, leading the way.

Even though Kentucky has already acted, what says a clear set of national rules is needed to help small businesses succeed?

We believe that federal action is urgent because when every state writes its own law, even good policy creates a patchwork.

The majority of our businesses at the Kentucky Chamber are small businesses, and no business, large or small, can realistically navigate a 50 state legal strategy to comply with privacy expectations.

Small businesses, in particular often lacked in-house legal teams.

Chief privacy officers were large compliance budgets.

Although the measure got the stamp of approval from both sides of the aisle in Kentucky.

Democrats in Congress weren't happy with the Secure Data Act, claiming it was weak legislation that did more to protect businesses than consumers.

I just think people deserve better.

They deserve to to have their privacy protected and not constantly mined and surveilled and then sold, and I'll, I'll end it there.

For Kentucky Edition, I'm Clayton Dalton.

Thank you so much.

Clayton, Kentucky second District Congressman Brett Guthrie, the chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, introduced the Secure Data Act legislation in April of this year.