Adds a person's telephone number when used for "caller ID spoofing" to the definition of "personal identifying information" for purposes of the crime of identity theft. (8/1/18)
The enactment of SB 50 will enhance the legal protections against identity theft by explicitly categorizing telephone numbers as personal information. This addition underscores the seriousness of telephone-based fraud and modernizes the state's approach to protecting its citizens from evolving threats in identity theft. By including this definition, the bill seeks to provide law enforcement and prosecutors with more tools to combat identity theft cases that utilize telecommunication as a means of perpetration.
Senate Bill 50 amends existing laws to expand the definition of 'personal identifying information' under Louisiana's identity theft statutes. The bill specifically includes a person's telephone number when it is used within a caller identification system. This change is intended to address the issue of caller ID spoofing, where individuals deceive others by disguising their phone numbers, which can facilitate fraudulent activities such as identity theft.
The sentiment surrounding SB 50 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, with full support indicated during the voting process. The bill was passed unanimously by the House with a 93 to 0 vote. This indicates broad bipartisan agreement on the necessity of adjusting legal definitions to keep pace with technological changes and enhance consumer protection against fraud.
Despite the positive sentiment and unanimous support, there are potential critiques related to enforcement. Some stakeholders might argue that simply broadening definitions may not be sufficient to address the underlying problems of identity theft. Additionally, while there may not be significant contention recorded in the voting history, the implications regarding law enforcement resource allocation and the effectiveness of prosecution could be points for future discussion as this law is implemented.