Frequently Asked Questions

PlainRegWatch tracks five categories: (1) data privacy laws (consumer data rights and business obligations), (2) AI regulation (automated decision-making, hiring algorithms, high-risk AI systems), (3) food chemical bans (synthetic dyes, PFAS in packaging, food additives), (4) right to repair laws (manufacturer obligations to provide repair access), and (5) employment and worker protection laws (non-competes, pay transparency, AI in hiring).

Pending legislation changes daily, bills are amended, tabled, revived, and reintroduced. Tracking pending bills would create noise and potential compliance confusion. PlainRegWatch focuses on enacted laws with effective dates, which is what businesses and individuals actually need to comply with. For tracking pending legislation, the NCSL, IAPP, and state legislature websites are better sources.

We aim to add newly enacted regulations within 30 days of the governor's signature or effective date. Regulations from our primary tracking sources (IAPP, NCSL, EWG) are identified quickly. We prioritize high-impact regulations like state privacy laws and AI rules. Each entry includes a last verified date.

California's CCPA/CPRA is the most comprehensive and was the template for most subsequent state privacy laws. Other strong frameworks include Virginia (VCDPA), Colorado (CPA), Connecticut (CTDPA), and Texas (TDPSA). Many states have enacted privacy laws modeled on these frameworks but with varying scopes, thresholds, and enforcement mechanisms.

Illinois (AEDT) was the first state to require employers to notify candidates and get consent before using AI tools in hiring. New York City has similar rules at the city level. Several states have pending AI hiring bills, but Illinois remains the most enacted AI hiring regulation at the state level as of our last review.

No. PlainRegWatch provides general informational summaries of state regulations for awareness purposes. It is not legal advice. Regulations are complex, change frequently, and apply differently depending on your business size, industry, location, and specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified attorney for compliance guidance.

No. PlainRegWatch is focused on the state-level regulatory patchwork, which is where the most rapid and varied regulatory change is occurring in the US. Federal regulations (FTC rules, FDA guidance, OSHA standards) are not covered. Federal law preempts conflicting state law in many areas.