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HB 953 — Consumer Report Security Freezes
by Rep. Harrison and others (SB 1302 by Senator Brandes)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Banking and Insurance Committee (BI)
The bill prohibits consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) from charging fees for placing, removing, or temporarily lifting a security freeze on a consumer report. A security freeze prevents a CRA from releasing the consumer report, credit score, or any information contained within the consumer report to a third party without the consumer’s express authorization. Currently, Florida law permits a CRA to charge a consumer up to $10 to institute a credit freeze.
In recent years, data breaches have increased in frequency, scale, sophistication, and severity of impact, resulting in more widespread identity theft. Currently, Florida law allows a consumer to freeze access to his or her consumer report, which prevents anyone from trying to open a new account or new credit under his or her name.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2018.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 113-0