Texas Introduces Bill to Combat Identity Theft

Texas State Senator Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, has proposed legislation earlier this week that aims to protect residents of Texas aging identity theft. Senate Bill 122, called the Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, also would make it easier for Texans to prove they were victims of identity theft.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbot said, “I thank Sen. Hinojosa for his leadership in empowering consumers and law enforcement to more effectively fight perpetrators of identity theft.”

“This crime has already taken billions of dollars from millions of families around the country, and we must do everything in our power to prevent it from taking a further toll.”

“Identity thieves not only steal from consumers and from businesses. Families are also losing credit worthiness and valuable time trying to fix the damage done by these criminals. Its devastating effects can last for years, and my objective is for this measure to keep families from losing additional money and time, and to enlist the Attorney General in making the perpetrators face justice,” said Hinojosa.

SB 122 would authorize the Attorney General to take legal action against those who engage in identity theft, including seeking restitution for victims and fines ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 per violation. Under the proposed law, penalties could also be applied against businesses that mishandle consumers’ personal information and cause it to fall into the hands of identity thieves.

The law also would require peace officers to create a written report whenever a consumer alleges being a victim. Consumers could, in turn, present those reports to credit reporting bureaus to help clear their names. Identity theft victims would also be able to ask state district courts directly to issue orders reflecting that they were victims of identity theft.