H.R. 8513: Providing Resources and Oversight to Ensure Confidentiality of Those who serve Act

This bill, known as the Providing Resources and Oversight to Ensure Confidentiality of Those who Serve Act (abbreviated as PROTECT Act), aims to enhance the protection of personally identifiable information (PII) for government officials, employees, and contractors. Here are the main components of the bill:

Guidance Requirements

The bill mandates that within one year of its enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security is required to provide guidance on best practices related to the handling of personally identifiable information. This guidance will be disseminated to:

• Federal government agencies
• State government agencies
• Local government agencies
• Appropriate entities in the private sector

Focus Areas for Guidance

The guidance will cover:

• The methods by which agencies and entities handle personally identifiable information of their officers, officials, employees, and contractors.
• Actions that personnel can take to ensure their safety concerning this information.

Definition of Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

The bill provides a definition of personally identifiable information as any information that can be used to identify an individual. This includes:

• Information that directly indicates an individual's identity
• Any information that can be linked to a specific individual, regardless of their status as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or visitor to the United States.

Frequency of Guidance Updates

The Secretary of Homeland Security will update and disseminate this guidance every four years after the initial issuance, ensuring that the information remains relevant and effective in protecting the confidentiality of those serving in government roles.

Overall Purpose

The overall goal of the bill is to enhance the security and confidentiality of vital personal information related to government personnel, recognizing the importance of data protection in maintaining the safety of these individuals in their roles.

Relevant Companies

None found