Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

This bill matters to voters because it addresses concerns about the security and privacy of highly sensitive personal information, like Social Security numbers, earnings records, and disability details, which the government holds. In an era where data breaches are common and trust in government institutions can waver, ensuring that this critical data is handled only by authorized, non-political personnel can help build confidence.

If this bill becomes law, it provides a clearer legal framework and stronger protections for individuals. It establishes a direct path for people to seek compensation if their data is mishandled and ensures that every violation is investigated. Without this law, the rules around who can access this data might be less strict for political appointees, and individuals might have fewer clear avenues for recourse or notification if their information is improperly accessed.

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Political appointees and special government employees are prohibited from accessing Social Security beneficiary data systems.

This aims to prevent potential political misuse or unauthorized access to sensitive personal data by non-career officials.

high

Establishes civil penalties for any officer, employee, or other person who negligently discloses or accesses beneficiary information without authorization.

This creates a legal deterrent against improper data handling and provides a means for individuals to seek damages.

high

Allows individuals whose data is improperly disclosed or accessed to bring a civil lawsuit for damages, including a minimum of $5,000 per violation or actual damages, plus punitive damages for willful or grossly negligent acts.

This provides a direct legal recourse and financial compensation for individuals whose sensitive information is compromised.

med

Requires the Social Security Administration's Inspector General to investigate every unauthorized disclosure or access of beneficiary data.

This ensures a dedicated oversight mechanism is in place to identify and address violations of data security.

med

Mandates that affected individuals be notified if their information is criminally charged as disclosed/accessed unlawfully, or if an administrative disciplinary action is proposed against an employee for unauthorized access.

This ensures transparency and informs individuals when their personal data has been compromised by government action.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

2 years after the date of discovery by the plaintiff

An action to enforce liability for unauthorized disclosure or access may be brought within this period after discovery by the plaintiff.

Not later than 30 days after the Inspector General becomes aware

The Inspector General of the Social Security Administration must report on investigations (though the full sentence for this deadline is truncated in the provided text).

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

TYPE	AMOUNT	WHO
civil	The greater of $5,000 for each act of unauthorized access or disclosure, or the actual damages sustained by the plaintiff; plus punitive damages in cases of willful access/disclosure or gross negligence; plus costs of the action and reasonable attorneys' fees.	The United States (if an officer or employee of the United States is at fault) or any person who is not an officer or employee of the United States.

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Social Security Act: The foundational law that established the Social Security program, providing social insurance for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Beneficiary data system: A computer system maintained by the Social Security Administration that stores personal information about people who have Social Security numbers, apply for benefits, or receive benefits, including sensitive details like Social Security numbers, eligibility, and payment records.
Political appointee: An individual appointed to a government position by the President or other high-level officials, usually serving at the pleasure of the administration, rather than through a career civil service process.
Special government employee: An individual who is retained, designated, appointed, or employed by the government to perform temporary duties, typically for less than 130 days within a 365-day period, often in an advisory or consulting role.
Civil action: A lawsuit brought in court to protect private rights or obtain compensation for a wrong, as opposed to a criminal case brought by the government to punish an offense.
Punitive damages: Extra money awarded by a court in a civil lawsuit, beyond actual damages, intended to punish the wrongdoer for particularly bad or negligent behavior and to deter others from similar actions.

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

MAR 5, 25

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

MAR 5, 25

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

INTROREFERRAL

READER REACTIONS

0 COMMENTS

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What do you think?

0 votes

Discussion

Loading comments...

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Ways and Means CommitteeReferred

Mar 5, 2025

house

Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Search

Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals