Louisiana is on the verge of becoming the latest state to pass data privacy legislation. The Louisiana Legislature has given near-unanimous approval to SB386, a bill that would grant residents the right to opt out of having their personal information shared on social media platforms.
Authored by Senator Patrick Connick, the bill—formally titled the Identity Data measure—passed both chambers without a single dissenting vote, marking a rare show of bipartisan unity in an era of deeply polarized lawmaking.
Legislative Timeline & Vote Count
The bill’s path through the legislature was remarkably smooth. Introduced in late February 2026 and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs, it picked up minor amendments along the way but faced zero meaningful opposition.
| Chamber | Yea Votes | Nay Votes | Action Date |
| Senate | 36 | 0 | Initial Approval |
| House | 94 | 0 | Committee/Floor Approval |
| Senate Concurrence | Passed | 0 | May 20, 2026 |
With the legislature’s work complete, the bill now clears its final hurdle as it heads to the governor’s desk for an official signature. If signed into law, the bill will take effect on January 1, 2027, giving social media companies and state agencies time to build out the compliance infrastructure needed to honor opt-out requests.
Part of a Growing National Movement
“Social media platforms routinely collect and monetize user data—including names, contact information, location data, and behavioral patterns—often with little transparency and even less user control.”
— Senator Patrick Connick, Bill Author
Senator Connick has positioned the bill as a common-sense protection for ordinary Louisianans who want more say over their digital footprint.
While states like California, Texas, and Virginia have already enacted comprehensive privacy frameworks, Louisiana’s approach focuses specifically on social media identity data. Though narrower in scope than some broader state laws, it signals that lawmakers in Baton Rouge are actively responding to growing public anxiety over online data collection, storage, and monetization.
Should the governor enact the legislation, Louisiana residents will gain a powerful new legal tool to push back against big tech and demand that their personal information remain private.
SB386 is part of Louisiana’s 2026 Regular Legislative Session. The bill’s effective date, if signed, is January 1, 2027.
