Despite industry warnings about crippling compliance costs and liability risks, a House panel has approved a measure that would allow consumers to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal data.

The Commerce Committee voted 23-0 on February 10 to approve HB 9 by Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota.

Stressing that she is a “pro-business” lawmaker, McFarland said she merely wanted to “put some Florida sunlight” on shadowy data mining practices that put consumers at risk.