Bill · H.R. 1877· House(119-HR-1877)
Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act
- Introduced
- 3/5/2025
- Last activity
- 3/5/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Sponsored by
- John Larson
- Cosponsors
- - 152 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Protecting Americans' Social Security Data Act" aims to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to restrict access to sensitive information. It prohibits political appointees and special government employees from accessing beneficiary data systems maintained by the Social Security Administration. The bill establishes civil penalties and allows individuals to bring civil actions for damages if their information is negligently accessed or disclosed. It also mandates that the Inspector General investigate these violations and report findings to Congress. Finally, it requires the Comptroller to conduct a study and submit regular reports regarding the impact of these changes.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+8
The bill strengthens data privacy by prohibiting specific government employees from accessing sensitive Social Security data systems.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+7
The bill enhances privacy protections by restricting political appointees' access to sensitive beneficiary data and providing legal recourse for breaches.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+6
The bill protects the sensitive personal information of Social Security beneficiaries, many of whom are seniors.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Restricted Data Access: Political appointees and special government employees are prohibited from accessing beneficiary data systems, which include personal information like Social Security account numbers and eligibility data (Section 2).
-
Legal Recourse for Privacy Breaches: If a government employee or other person negligently accesses or discloses an individual's information, the individual has the right to bring a civil action for damages in a district court (Section 3).
-
Financial Compensation for Violations: Individuals may seek damages equal to the greater of $5,000 per act or the sum of actual damages plus punitive damages in cases of willful access or gross negligence (Section 3).
-
Legal Cost Coverage: Plaintiffs may be awarded the costs of their action and reasonable attorneys fees (Section 3).
-
Transparency and Notification: The Commissioner of Social Security must notify individuals if they are criminally charged regarding the unauthorized access or disclosure of their information (Section 3).
-
Accountability through Oversight: The Inspector General is required to investigate violations and submit detailed reports to Congress, including risk assessments regarding privacy and cybersecurity (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Litigation Exceptions: No liability for damages will arise if the disclosure or access resulted from a good faith, but erroneous, interpretation of the law, or if the access was requested by the individual (Section 3).
-
Attorney Fee Restrictions for Government Defendants: If the defendant is the United States, reasonable attorneys fees may only be awarded if the plaintiff is the prevailing party (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Seniors+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+7Improves Government Transparency+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+8
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/9/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 12/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/7/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 10/3/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/26/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2025
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 9/8/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/3/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/25/2025
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 6/12/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 4/29/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/21/2025
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- 4/17/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/7/2025
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- 3/31/2025
- 17 Cosponsors added.
- 3/24/2025
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- 3/10/2025
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- 3/5/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 70 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
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