Millions of Americans have their personal data collected, often unwittingly, on a daily basis. A consumer's online profile, browsing and transaction history, income, demographics, and other personal information are combined to create a complex profile of the individual. Sometimes this information is collected and stored by data brokers to sell to companies that then use it to market products and services to consumers. Other times, companies use their own collection efforts, including customer loyalty cards. Consumers are often unaware of what personal information companies collect and have few, if any, ways to find out. This hearing solicits testimony on companies' policies and practices and will examine state and federal law on collecting, storing, distributing, and/or selling consumer information. The Committee seeks to assess the Department of State's budgetary allocations to enforce existing consumer privacy protections. The hearing will explore what resources are or can be made available to consumers to obtain access to their own personal information used by companies or data brokers, and to control the use of their information.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to five (5) minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

JEFFREY DINOWITZ
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the collection, use, and distribution of personal data by businesses and data brokers and the implications for consumers' privacy are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email, or fax it to: