State laws enforce data privacy

From the Wall Street Journal:

Nevada is the first of several states adopting new laws that will force businesses — from hair stylists to hospitals — to revamp the way they protect customer data.  Massachusetts has already passed a similar law which goes into effect January 1st, and Michigan and Washington State are both considering similar legislation.

While just a few states have adopted such measures so far, the new patchwork of regulations is something many businesses will have to navigate, since the laws apply to out-of-state companies with operations or customers in those states.

• Richard Koman post (good summary)
• Full article (longer)

BioSafety Labs fail GAO perimeter security tests

From HSToday:

Three out of five of the nation’s top biosafety laboratories have poor perimeter security measures, prompting congressional investigators to recommend that the CDC, which regulates the labs, review their security and consider upgrades.

The GAO conducted the review for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and published the results Thursday in a report titled “Biosafety Laboratories: Perimeter Security Assessment of the Nation’s Five BSL-4 Laboratories.” GAO .  The BSL 4 labs are the only ones authorized by the federal government to work with biological agents–such as the Ebola virus, hemorrhagic fevers, and smallpox–that could kill people but have no cure or treatment.

• Full article

Senators answers questions about homeland security (and other issues)

Democrat Tom Harkin and Republican Christopher Reed answered a series of questions about national issues.  Many questions his on other topics, but Homeland Security-related questions include:

• Would you vote for a defense or supplemental appropriations bill that includes a fixed timeline for withdrawal from Iraq?
• Should the government be allowed to monitor electronic communications in the interest of homeland security without first obtaining court approval?
• Would you support additional federal money for the construction of a border fence with Mexico?
• Would you support a plan under which those immigrants in the United States who do not have legal status eventually could become citizens?
• Should there be any additional federal restrictions on the purchase or possession of firearms?

For the answers and questions on other topics, read the Full article.