Creates the reproductive health and gender-affirming healthcare data privacy act.

Rhode Island Reproductive Health and Gender-Affirming Healthcare Data Privacy Act

This bill would create new privacy protections specifically for personal information related to reproductive health care (such as pregnancy, abortion, contraception, and fertility treatments) and gender-affirming health care (such as hormone therapy or other treatments related to gender transition). The law would restrict how businesses, apps, websites, and other organizations can collect, share, or sell this type of sensitive health information without a person's clear consent.

Under the bill, individuals would have greater control over who can access their personal health data in these categories. For example, companies behind period-tracking apps, health websites, or other digital services would be limited in how they could use or share information about a user's reproductive health or gender-affirming care. The bill would also likely restrict sharing this data with third parties, including law enforcement from other states that might be seeking it in connection with laws in those states.

This legislation would primarily affect Rhode Island residents who use digital health tools, apps, or services that collect sensitive health-related data. It would also place responsibilities on the companies and organizations that handle this information, requiring them to follow stricter rules or face potential penalties for violations.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which has scheduled it for a hearing. The committee has recommended it be held for further study, meaning no final vote has been taken yet.