Federal privacy pre-emption pitched

House Republicans unveiled the SECURE Data Act on April 22, 2026, proposing a single federal privacy framework that would pre-empt state laws. (politico.com) The rollout paired the SECURE Data Act, led by Rep. John Joyce (R‑Pa.), with a GUARD Financial Data Act aimed at banks and financial services. (politico.com) According to bill text and coverage, the measures would override more than 20 state privacy laws and strip a private right of action that lets consumers sue companies. (cnbc.com) House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R‑Ky.) and Financial Services Chair French Hill (R‑Ark.) framed the twin bills as a way to create one national standard and spur competition. (cnbc.com) Businesses and compliance teams face a years‑long patchwork today: roughly 20 states have enacted comprehensive privacy laws, officials and trackers say. (consenteo.com) Privacy analysts who reviewed the SECURE draft say it borrows state rights like deletion and opt‑outs but omits mandates such as data‑protection officers and broad impact assessments. (iapp.org) The proposal renews questions for payroll, compensation and employee‑benefits platforms that process health and retirement data subject to ERISA and DOL cybersecurity guidance. (dol.gov) Democrats and advocacy groups warned preemption would erase state policy advances and limit enforcement tools, while Republicans argued the bills would end a “confusing state‑by‑state patchwork,” Guthrie said. (politico.com) House leaders signaled committee action and possible floor votes in the coming weeks as industry groups, state attorneys general and privacy advocates prepare to weigh in. (cnbc.com)