2007 House Bill 4103

Mandate credit agency “security alert” and “security freeze”

Introduced in the House

Jan. 23, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Kathy Angerer (D-55)

To require credit reporting agencies to place a “security alert” notice in the credit report of an consumer who requests the alert. Also, to require credit reporting agencies to honor a “security freeze” request from a consumer, which prohibits the release of information to a third party without prior express authorization from the consumer. The bill sets fees for this service, would allow consumers to sue to recover damages if a credit reporting agency violates the proposed provisions.

Referred to the Committee on Banking and Financial Services

March 20, 2007

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Bill Caul (R-99)

To prohibit a credit reporting agency from charging a “security alert” and “security freeze” fee to a consumer is age 65 or older.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Andy Coulouris (D-95)

To establish that the bill applies only to identity theft victims until 2009, when it would apply to all consumers.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Jeff Mayes (D-96)

To specify and require personal identity protocols for a consumer who requests a temporary lifting of a security freeze by email rather than regular mail, which the bill would allow beginning in 2009.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Kate Ebli (D-56)

To prohibit a credit reporting agency from charging a “security alert” and “security freeze” fee to a consumer is age 60 or older.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 105 to 0 (details)

To require credit reporting agencies to place a “security alert” notice in the credit report of an individual who has been the victim of identity theft and requests the alert. Also, to require credit reporting agencies to honor a “security freeze” request from an identity theft victim, which prohibits the release of information to a third party without prior express authorization from the consumer. The bill sets fees for this service, would allow consumers to sue to recover damages if a credit reporting agency violates the proposed provisions. After 2009 the bill would apply to all consumers, not just identity theft victims.

Received in the Senate

March 22, 2007

Referred to the Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions