SB 507 – Allows consumers to request that a security freeze be placed on the issuance of their credit reports by credit reporting agencies

• Sponsor: Green
• LR Number: 2196S.01I
• Committee: Commerce, Energy and the Environment
• Last Action: 2/15/2007 - Second Read and Referred S Commerce, Energy and the Environment Committee
• Journal Page: S272
• Effective Date: August 28, 2007

Current Bill Summary

SB 507 - This act allows a consumer to request that a "security freeze" be placed on his or her credit report, which prohibits credit reporting agencies from releasing the consumer's credit report without specific authorization from the consumer.

Credit reporting agencies are directed to place a freeze on any consumer's credit report within five days of the receipt of such a request. The reporting agency must notify the consumer in writing within ten days of enacting the security freeze and must provide instructions for removing or temporarily lifting the freeze.

Credit reporting agencies may issue credit reports subject to a freeze in certain circumstances that include: when requested or authorized by the consumer, pursuant to a court order, during times when the freeze has been temporarily lifted by the consumer, or to anyone with whom the consumer has an existing debtor-creditor relationship.

Credit reporting agencies that violate this act shall be liable for actual damages sustained by any affected consumer, the affected consumer's court costs and reasonable attorney fees, and may be subject to other equitable relief assessed by a court.

This act is similar to SB 737 (2006).

ERIKA JAQUES