Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB695

Introduced

3/24/23

Refer

3/24/23

Caption

Further providing for definitions, for security freeze and for fees; and providing for credit monitoring services, for prohibiting the waiver of rights and for protected persons security freeze.

Impact

The proposed changes brought forth by HB 695 are expected to enhance consumer protection laws by specifically addressing how security freezes function. This includes ensuring that credit reporting agencies must act promptly to implement these freezes and provide necessary services without charging fees to consumers under certain circumstances. The inclusion of provisions for credit monitoring services at no charge for a period following identity breaches further reinforces the state’s commitment to protecting consumers' personal information and mitigating potential damages from identity theft.

Summary

House Bill 695 aims to amend existing laws regarding credit reporting and identity theft prevention in Pennsylvania. The bill addresses mechanisms such as security freezes that can be placed on consumer credit reports to protect individuals, particularly minors and incapacitated persons known as 'protected persons'. The legislation aims to streamline the processes for creating, lifting, and managing these freezes, providing a structured approach to identifying and safeguarding sensitive information. This update is essential to ensure that such protections are both robust and accessible, especially in the wake of increasing identity theft incidents.

Sentiment

General sentiment towards HB 695 is largely positive, particularly among consumer advocates and legislators concerned with safeguarding personal information. The legislation is seen as a proactive step to modernize credit reporting laws and respond to growing threats from identity theft and data breaches. There is, however, a cautious response regarding the processes for implementing these freezes, as stakeholders explore the practical implications for credit reporting agencies and the efficiency of putative measures, ensuring they do not inadvertently create further burdens.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the definitions and scope of 'protected persons' under this bill, particularly concerning who qualifies for enhanced protection. Lawmakers have raised questions about the implications for credit practices and whether agencies can meet the demands placed by the expanded responsibilities without straining resources. Additionally, while the bill aims to eliminate fees for those requesting freezes, discussions continue about the operational challenges for credit agencies in adapting to these provisions.

Latest PA HB695 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB695

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1111

In school security, further providing for school security personnel.

PA SB1039

In student supports, further providing for definitions and for student supports and providing for the Pennsylvania Mental Health First Aid Training Program; and, in school safety and security, further providing for the School Safety and Security Grant Program.

PA HB306

Further providing for definitions, for prohibition and for penalties.

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further prov iding for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA SB655

In personal income tax, further providing for classes of income; in corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions; in tax credit and tax benefit administration, further providing for definitions; and providing for personal health investment tax credit.

PA SB123

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA HB104

In protection from abuse, further providing for definitions and for relief.

PA HB1126

In personal income tax, further providing for classes of income; in corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions; and providing for personal health investment tax credit.

PA HB77

In food protection, further providing for definitions, providing for food allergy awareness and further providing for powers of department.

PA HB997

Further providing for definitions, for notification of the breach of the security of the system, for exceptions and for notice exemption; repealing provisions relating to civil relief; providing for protection of personal information, for civil relief, for information security and for applicability; and repealing provisions relating to applicability.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.