Democrat-backed data privacy bill advances out of committee

Democratic lawmakers advanced data privacy legislation that supporters say would be unique in the United States in protecting individual privacy and limiting the type of digital information companies can collect and maintain. But while Democrats and others support the Maine Data Privacy and Protection Act, business groups and Republicans say it would detach Maine businesses from the global online marketplace and make Maine the most restricted state for businesses to advertise online. The Judiciary Committee voted 8-5 in favor of L.D. 1977 Tuesday morning, with Democrats in support and Republicans...