Defines a "protected consumer" as an individual who is under the age of eighteen years.
Summary
This bill amends New York’s General Business Law definition of a “protected consumer” for purposes of security freezes on consumer reports. Under current law, a protected consumer is someone under age 16; the bill raises that age to under 18. In practical terms, the bill expands the class of minors who can have a security freeze placed on their credit or consumer file to help prevent identity theft and unauthorized credit activity.
The measure is narrow and technical, but it has an important consumer-protection effect. By extending the definition to include 16- and 17-year-olds, it gives older minors the same security-freeze protections already available to younger children, which may be especially relevant for teens who are increasingly exposed to online fraud, data breaches, and misuse of personal information. The bill takes effect immediately if enacted.
Impact
The bill would amend section 380-a of the General Business Law, changing the statutory definition of “protected consumer” from under 16 to under 18. This would expand the reach of New York’s security-freeze provisions to additional minors and affect consumer reporting agencies, parents or guardians seeking freezes, and teenagers whose credit files may be vulnerable to identity theft. No other substantive provisions are changed, and the bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded votes, so there is no documented debate or formal opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be a straightforward consumer-protection expansion with a likely favorable policy posture, aimed at strengthening protections for minors.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the provided materials. If any concerns were raised, they would likely center on administrative burden for consumer reporting agencies, the mechanics of placing freezes for older minors, or whether the existing under-16 threshold was sufficient. However, the record supplied does not show any identified opponents or disputed issues.
Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.
Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.
Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.
Provides that any person eighteen (18) years of age who is issued a license or permit may carry a stun gun. It would impose criminal penalties for a person to sell or transfer a stun gun to a person under the age of eighteen (18).