Oct. 03, 2017
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| Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) participated in a press conference announcing the introduction of two bills designed to give further consumer protection to Pennsylvania residents who are the victims of data breaches that open them to possible identity theft. |
HARRISBURG – Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) today participated in a press conference announcing the introduction of two bills designed to give further consumer protection to Pennsylvania residents who are the victims of data breaches that open them to possible identity theft.
“Many years ago I was a victim of identity theft, so I understand the toll such a crime can take on a person, both emotionally and financially,” said Baker. “In the intervening years, I have personally authored three identity theft laws. I think the addition of the two bills discussed at the press conference today will be a tremendous addition to the protections afforded Pennsylvania consumers.”
To view Baker’s comments during the press conference, go here.
The first bill would amend the Credit Reporting Agency Act. Specifically, it would require notification of a breach from the entity where the breach occurred to the affected consumer. The notification would include the date the breach occurred, the type of information subject to the breach, a toll-free number and the address of credit reporting agencies. This notice would have to be made available within 30 days of the breach of the system. Additionally, an entity with a breach would have to notify the state attorney general’s office. The entities must also develop policies to safeguard and discard personal consumer information.
The second bill would waive the current credit freeze fee, which charges up to $10 per account. In the instance of a data breach, consumers would be provided with three months of free credit monitoring and up to three free credit reports for one calendar year after the date the breach is reported. None of these would apply to a credit reporting agency that has not experienced a breach.
These two bills were introduced following the Equifax data breach, which was the largest data breach in history – exposing the personal information at least 143 million Americans, including 5.4 million Pennsylvanians.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro spoke in support of both bills during the press conference.
Both bills are anticipated to be brought up for a vote in the House Commerce Committee on Oct. 16.
Representative Matthew Baker
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepBaker.com