Relating to authorizing the use of global privacy controls to protect a consumer's personal data; providing a civil penalty.

HB 5495 requires online companies to honor browser-based "global privacy controls" (like privacy settings in browsers) that signal a consumer's request not to sell or share their personal data. It directly affects businesses collecting consumer data online in Texas, mandating they treat these signals as valid opt-out requests. The bill establishes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation for failing to comply, with higher penalties for repeated offenses. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.