Bill to Combat Identity Theft Moves to Governor

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation to combat identity theft and aid victims by allowing a security freeze on their consumer reports was approved by the Senate today and now moves to the governor.

Senate Bill 403 provides a consumer may prevent access to his or her consumer report by requesting that the reporting agency place a security freeze on it. This freeze limits the reporting agency from releasing a credit report or any information regarding the consumer without specific authorization from the consumer.

“Victims of identity theft may have to work years and years to fully resolve what happened,” said Tallian. “Many times these thieves use the victim’s information more than once continuing to cause problems. By placing a freeze on a consumer report, an individual can stop this repeated offense.”

The legislation also requires a consumer reporting agency to develop and make available a secure procedure to electronically request a security freeze as well as distribute a new personal identification number or password for use in releasing a report or temporarily lifting a freeze.

Louisiana, Texas, Vermont, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina and Washington have all enacted similar laws.

Senate Bill 403 was sent back to the Senate after it was amended then passed by the House earlier this month. State Senator Gary Dillon (R-Columbia City), the bill’s first author, concurred with the amended bill and the Senate unanimously voted to accept his motion to concur. If the governor signs the bill, it will become law on September 1.

For more information on Sen. Tallian, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

Source: Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus