Connecticut House Bill HB05349

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/19
• Refer: 1/15/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Identity Theft Victim Access To Records.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05349 would significantly impact the laws concerning identity theft, particularly around the access rights of victims to offenders' formerly sealed records. This access could help identity theft victims rectify situations that may affect their financial standing, credit scores, and general well-being. The bill is seen as a step towards reinforcing victims' rights within the criminal justice system, enabling them to better reclaim their identities after such violations.

Summary

House Bill 05349, titled An Act Concerning Identity Theft Victim Access To Records, aims to amend section 54-56e of the general statutes. The bill's primary objective is to grant victims of identity theft the right to access specific records that are otherwise sealed when related to offenders applying for the accelerated rehabilitation pretrial program. This change is designed to help victims obtain the necessary information to address issues arising from identity theft, making it easier for them to correct erroneous situations caused by such crimes.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to support identity theft victims, there may be concerns about privacy and security implications associated with granting access to sealed records. Balancing the need for victim support against the rights of offenders is likely to be a topic of debate among lawmakers. Critics may argue that access to sealed records could expose sensitive information, potentially leading to further complications for those involved in the rehabilitation process.