Plain English Summary
This bill strengthens protections for sensitive personal information by establishing minimum financial penalties for computer trespassing crimes involving protected health information and government employee personnel records. Victims of such data breaches can now recover at least $5,000 per violation in civil lawsuits, in addition to actual damages sustained.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this bill provides meaningful protection for North Carolinians whose sensitive health and personal data is stolen through computer crimes. The $5,000 minimum per violation creates a stronger deterrent against data theft and ensures victims receive compensation even when actual damages are hard to quantify. Advocates contend that government employees and healthcare patients deserve robust legal remedies when their confidential information is misappropriated.
Arguments Against
Opponents may argue the bill could lead to excessive lawsuits and liability concerns for organizations that handle health and personnel data, potentially increasing litigation costs and insurance premiums. Some may question whether a flat $5,000 minimum per violation appropriately addresses cases with minimal actual harm, and whether this creates disproportionate penalties compared to other computer crimes that cause comparable damage.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 27
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 49
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 40
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 104
Cosponsors (17)
Representative · District 18
Representative · District 114
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 42
Representative · District 48
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 99
Representative · District 30
Representative · District 102
Representative · District 56
Representative · District 45
Representative · District 61
Representative · District 66
Representative · District 11
Representative · District 31
Representative · District 57
Representative · District 39