Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act
Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting Americans' Social Security Data Act – Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would restrict access to Social Security Administration databases containing personal information about Social Security beneficiaries. Specifically, it would prevent political appointees and special government employees from accessing systems that contain Social Security numbers, eligibility information, benefit payment records, or other personally identifiable information. The bill aims to protect sensitive data by limiting access to these systems to permanent civil service employees rather than political hires. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects Social Security beneficiaries by adding a layer of protection for their personal data. It also impacts political appointees and special employees hired for temporary positions within the federal government.
A major provision creates a legal right for individuals whose information is negligently accessed or disclosed in violation of these rules—meaning they could sue either the U.S. government (if the violator was a federal employee) or the violator directly (if they were not a federal employee). **Current Status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not been voted on by Congress. It was introduced by Representative John B. Larson, a Democrat from Connecticut, in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data ActThis bill prohibits political appointees and special government employees from accessing Social Security data systems that contain personally identifiable information about Social Security beneficiaries.Specifically, political appointees and special government employees may not access systems maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that issue or record Social Security account numbers, that are used to determine eligibility for or to pay Social Security benefits, or that otherwise contain personally identifiable information about individuals receiving or applying for benefits. The bill also establishes a civil right of action for an individual whose information was negligently accessed or disclosed in violation of these provisions. The individual may bring suit against the United States if the violator was a U.S. employee or officer, or against the violator if they were not a U.S. employee or officer. Such a claim must be brought within two years of the affected individual’s discovery of the violation. Upon a finding of liability, defendants are liable for specified monetary damages. If an individual is criminally charged or subject to proposed disciplinary or adverse action by a federal or state agency for having accessed or disclosed information in violation of these provisions, SSA must notify the individual whose information was accessed or disclosed of the violation as soon as practicable. Finally, the bill requires the SSA Office of the Inspector General to investigate and report to Congress on any unauthorized access to or disclosure of information in a beneficiary data system.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.