Texas House Bill HB883

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to using the Internet to obtain identifying information about an elderly individual for a fraudulent purpose.

Impact

If enacted, HB 883 would impose stricter measures on those who exploit elderly individuals for fraudulent purposes. The enhancement of legal recourse in the form of increased actual damages aims to deter offenders and provide more substantial restitution for victims. This change is particularly significant given the rising instances of online scams that target seniors, highlighting a growing concern for safeguarding their personal information and well-being.

Summary

House Bill 883 focuses on addressing fraudulent activities directed at elderly individuals by amending existing laws concerning the misuse of the Internet to obtain identifying information. Specifically, it aims to enhance penalties related to such fraudulent actions. By enabling courts to triple the damages awarded in cases where recurrent violations are identified or where elderly individuals have been negatively impacted, the bill seeks to reinforce protections for vulnerable populations against online scams and fraud.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 883 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates focused on elderly welfare and consumer protection. The bill gained unanimous bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, indicating a collective recognition of the need to mitigate risks faced by the elderly population in the digital age. Legislators appear to view the bill as a necessary step towards enhancing existing legal frameworks to better protect vulnerable communities.

Contention

While there is general support for the intent of HB 883, discussions may arise around the implementation and enforcement of such measures. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the specifics of determining what constitutes a 'pattern or practice' of violations and how courts will assess the impact on elderly individuals. Additionally, discussions may also include the potential burdens placed on law enforcement and judicial systems to effectively address and manage these enhanced provisions.