Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1087

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to authorizing the placement of a security freeze on the consumer file or other record created or maintained by a consumer reporting agency regarding a person under 16 years of age.

Impact

With the implementation of HB 1087, the Business and Commerce Code will be amended to include strict definitions and regulations regarding the creation and maintenance of records pertaining to 'protected consumers'. The bill dictates that consumer reporting agencies must comply with requests from a representative of the minor to place a security freeze without charging fees, as long as appropriate documentation is provided. This move is intended to fortify safeguards against identity theft, thereby improving protection for vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Bill 1087 aims to enhance consumer protection for individuals under the age of 16 by authorizing the placement of a security freeze on their consumer files or records as maintained by consumer reporting agencies. The bill proposes specific provisions for defining 'protected consumers' and the process for establishing a security freeze to prevent unauthorized access to their credit information. This is particularly relevant given the increasing concerns regarding identity theft affecting minors, who often have no prior credit history, making them vulnerable to potential fraud.

Contention

Discussion around HB 1087 focused on the necessity and implications of implementing such measures. Supporters argue that the bill is critical in safeguarding against identity theft, particularly as reports indicate that minors are increasingly targeted in financial scams. However, some lawmakers express concerns regarding the administrative burden this may place on consumer reporting agencies and the potential for complications in removing the security freeze when necessary. The challenge remains in ensuring effective enforcement of the provisions without causing unnecessary obstacles for legitimate credit evaluations.

Companion Bills

TX SB60

Similar Relating to authorizing the placement of a security freeze on the consumer file or other record created or maintained by a consumer reporting agency regarding a person under 16 years of age.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB1844

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB4854

Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.

TX SB1371

Relating to the regulation of consumer credit transactions and the regulatory authority of the consumer credit commissioner; changing a fee.

TX HB3275

Relating to the regulation of consumer credit transactions and the regulatory authority of the consumer credit commissioner; changing a fee.

TX HB2003

Relating to the delivery and direct shipment of certain alcoholic beverages to ultimate consumers; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB752

Relating to the delivery and direct shipment of certain alcoholic beverages to ultimate consumers; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4966

Relating to law enforcement agency personnel records and the reporting of separations of license holders to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

TX HB297

Relating to credit services organizations and extensions of consumer credit facilitated by credit services organizations; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB3481

Relating to the exemption of certain personal property from seizure under a court order to collect a judgment on a consumer debt.

Similar Bills

TX SB60

Relating to authorizing the placement of a security freeze on the consumer file or other record created or maintained by a consumer reporting agency regarding a person under 16 years of age.

TX HB4266

Relating to credit repair services performed by credit repair organizations.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB3811

Relating to extensions of consumer credit in the form of a deferred presentment transaction that a credit access business obtains for a consumer or assists a consumer in obtaining; providing a civil penalty; adding a provision subject to a criminal penalty.

TX HB1676

Relating to the sale of consumer geotracking data by telephone companies.

TX HB4432

Relating to the sale of consumer geotracking data by telephone companies.

TX SB141

Relating to debt management services and the regulation of debt management services providers.

TX HB3812

Relating to extensions of consumer credit in the form of a motor vehicle title loan that a credit access business obtains for a consumer or assists a consumer in obtaining; providing a civil penalty.