H.R. 7280: Veteran Data Accountability for Third-party Actors Act

This bill, titled the **Veteran Data Accountability for Third-party Actors Act** or **Veteran DATA Act**, aims to enhance the protection of sensitive personal information related to veterans managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, it introduces several key provisions:

Prohibition on Sale of Sensitive Personal Information

The bill prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from entering into contracts that allow contractors to sell or otherwise disclose sensitive personal information for compensation. This means that third-party contractors cannot profit from or share sensitive information about veterans without explicit permission from the VA.

Contract Requirements for Personal Information Protection

• The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must ensure that all contracts related to covered information include specific clauses that:
• Prevent monetization or misuse of such information by contractors or their affiliates.
• Additionally, the Secretary must develop and distribute guidelines to VA employees and contractors to help them identify any violations regarding the sale or misuse of this information.

Reporting Obligations

Within one year of the bill becoming law, the Secretary is required to submit a report to relevant congressional committees. This report should include:

• A copy of the contract clause designed to protect sensitive personal information.
• The guidelines issued for employees and contractors regarding information handling.
• A summary of actions taken to comply with the requirements of the bill.

Definitions

• Covered Contract: Refers to any contract with the VA that involves handling sensitive information, whether entered into after the enactment of the law or previously signed contracts that have not expired at that time.
• Covered Information: Includes protected health information and personally identifiable information, which could also encompass anonymized data.

Timelines

All actions dictated by this bill must be carried out within one year of its enactment, emphasizing the urgency of protecting veteran data and ensuring compliance among contractors dealing with veterans' sensitive information.

Relevant Companies

None found