Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 638: Data brokers; regulation, civil penalties.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 638 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Data brokers; regulation, civil penalties. Primary sponsor: Michelle Lopes Maldonado. It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (February 9, 2026): Continued to next session in Communications, Technology and Innovation (Voice Vote).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Regulation of data brokers; civil penalties. Prohibits a person from acquiring personally identifiable information, defined in the bill, through fraudulent means or acquiring and using such information for the purpose of (i) stalking or harassing another person; (ii) committing a fraud, including identity theft, financial fraud, or email fraud; or (iii) engaging in unlawful discrimination, including employment discrimination or housing discrimination. The bill requires a data broker, defined in the bill, to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive information security program that includes certain features and technical elements. The bill also requires a data broker operating in the Commonwealth, beginning on December 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, to register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The bill provides that a violation of its provisions constitutes a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle Lopes Maldonado | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Bonita Anthony | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 92 |
| J.R. Henson | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 19 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Continued to next session in Communications, Technology and Innovation (Voice Vote)
- Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
- House subcommittee offered
- Assigned HST sub: Technology and Innovation
- Referred to Committee on Communications, Technology and Innovation
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105301D