Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00472

Introduced
3/7/18  
Introduced
3/7/18  
Refer
3/7/18  
Refer
3/7/18  
Report Pass
3/20/18  
Report Pass
3/20/18  
Refer
4/2/18  
Refer
4/2/18  
Report Pass
4/9/18  
Report Pass
4/9/18  
Engrossed
5/2/18  
Engrossed
5/2/18  
Report Pass
5/4/18  
Report Pass
5/4/18  
Chaptered
5/22/18  
Chaptered
5/22/18  
Enrolled
5/23/18  

Caption

An Act Concerning Security Freezes On Credit Reports, Identity Theft Prevention Services And Regulations Of Credit Rating Agencies.

Impact

The bill modernizes the existing framework surrounding credit report security by repealing outdated statutes and incorporating new provisions aimed at enhancing consumer awareness and control. It obligates credit rating agencies to notify consumers promptly after a breach and develop user-friendly methods for placing or lifting security freezes. This could significantly shift the state's approach to consumer data privacy, ensuring that individuals have a greater say in the handling of their sensitive information and potentially minimizing the financial repercussions stemming from identity theft.

Summary

Senate Bill 472, known as the Act Concerning Security Freezes On Credit Reports, Identity Theft Prevention Services And Regulations Of Credit Rating Agencies, is designed to strengthen consumer protections against identity theft and data breaches. The bill primarily focuses on establishing clear procedures regarding security freezes on credit reports, enabling consumers to better protect their personal information from unauthorized access. Consumers can request a security freeze on their credit reports, which must be enacted by credit rating agencies within a specified timeframe, adding a layer of security for individuals worried about identity theft.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 472 is supportive, as it aligns with broader trends in legislation focused on enhancing consumer rights and cybersecurity. Proponents argue that the bill will empower consumers and provide necessary protections against increasingly sophisticated identity theft threats. However, there are concerns from some quarters regarding the potential costs and administrative burdens that could fall on credit rating agencies, which could complicate their operations in responding to security breaches while remaining compliant with the new law.

Contention

Notably, one area of contention emerged regarding the financial implications of implementing security freezes and the associated fees for consumers requesting such actions. While the bill intends to provide these services at no cost for certain vulnerable populations, including victims of identity theft and minors, discussions indicated some pushback on whether these provisions go far enough. Stakeholders expressed concerns that without sufficient public education on the new procedures, many consumers might remain unaware of their rights or the tools available to them, thus limiting the bill's protective measures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05142

An Act Concerning Consumer Credit, Certain Bank Real Estate Improvements, The Connecticut Uniform Securities Act, Shared Appreciation Agreements, Innovation Banks, The Community Bank And Community Credit Union Program And Technical Revisions To The Banking Statutes.

CT SB00395

An Act Concerning The Reporting Of Medical Debt.

CT SB00187

An Act Concerning Consumer Credit.

CT SB00201

An Act Concerning Unfair Real Estate Listing Agreements And The Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act.

CT SB00381

An Act Concerning Revisions To The Mandated Reporter Requirements.

CT SB00134

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Minor And Technical Revisions To Statutes Concerning Consumer Protection.

CT HB05150

An Act Concerning Cannabis And Hemp Regulation.

CT SB00133

An Act Concerning Regulation Of Prescription Drugs And Related Professions.

CT SB00398

An Act Concerning The Regulation And Taxation Of Travel Insurance And Associated Entities, Products And Professionals.

CT HB05436

An Act Concerning Educator Certification, Teachers, Paraeducators And Mandated Reporter Requirements.

Similar Bills

HI HB2051

Relating To Consumer Privacy.

NJ S103

Authorizes parent or guardian to place security freeze on child's consumer report.

NJ S1962

Authorizes parent or guardian to place security freeze on child's consumer report.

NJ A1971

Requires notification to consumers of collection and disclosure of personal data by certain entities.

NJ S332

Requires notification to consumers of collection and disclosure of personal data by certain entities.

NJ A2584

Requires notification to consumers of collection and disclosure of personal data by certain entities.

HI SB2032

Relating To Genetic Information Privacy.

HI SB2581

Relating To Privacy.