Data Privacy Bill Advances as Panel Punts on Differences (1)

House lawmakers, seeking to pass a landmark bipartisan privacy law, punted on a pair of sticking points: whether individuals should be able to sue technology companies directly, and whether federal law should supersede state privacy laws.

The Energy and Commerce Committee’s consumer protection panel unanimously advanced the bill to the full committee Thursday, leaving the two provisions in the legislation for future discussions.

The private right of action and preemption issues have been “the most difficult” and lawmakers are still working on changes, Energy and Commerce Chair Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) said, adding he hopes to reach consensus soon.

Rep. Kelly ...