Protecting Agricultural Borrower Information Act

This bill aims to protect the privacy of farmers and others who apply for or receive loans or payments through the Farm Service Agency. It would make it illegal for the agency to share a borrower’s personal information with temporary government advisors or employees on loan to the agency. There are only two exceptions: the data can be shared in a way that hides people’s identities, or if the person clearly agrees to share their own information—and that consent can’t be required to get a benefit. Breaking these rules could lead to fines up to $10,000, up to one year in jail, or both.

Key points

• Who is affected: People who apply for or receive FSA loans or payments; FSA staff and certain outside government workers.
• What changes: FSA can’t share personal borrower information with special government employees or detailees, unless the data is anonymized or the person freely consents; violations face criminal penalties.
• When: Would take effect after it becomes law.