SB 242 – relating to Security of a Protected Consumer’s Information
On Tuesday, April 22nd, SB 242, relating to Security of a Protected Consumer’s Information, by Senator Nancy Detert (R-Venice) unanimously passed on the House floor. The bill will now be sent to the Governor for consideration.

The bill creates the “Keeping I.D. Safe (KIDS) Act” to authorize a representative of a minor consumer younger than sixteen years of age, or a guardian, to place a security freeze on that consumer’s credit report. The reason being, while parents typically apply for a Social Security number for their child shortly after birth, a credit reporting agency does not create a credit report or history until an application for credit is received. An identity thief will typically apply for credit with a child’s Social Security number, but with a different name and date of birth. As a result, the identity theft may go undetected for years. A recent study conducted by ID Analytics estimated that more than 140,000 instances of identity fraud are perpetrated on minors in the United States each year.

AIF supports protecting consumer information to guard minors from potential identity theft. Any legislation resulting in reduced instances of credit fraud is a common-sense action for the Legislature.

SB 1524 – relating to Security of Confidential Personal Information
On Wednesday, April 23rd, SB 1524, relating to Security of Confidential Personal Information, by Senator John Thrasher (R-St. Augustine) unanimously passed the Senate chamber. The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

This bill creates new Florida requirements for various notifications a company must make in the event of a data breach. This measure was originated by Attorney General Pam Bondi. AIF and our members across all industries and areas of the state have worked with General Bondi and Senator Thrasher throughout session to find a way to provide the consumer safeguards needed while avoiding unintended consequences that create costly regulatory burdens on businesses. AIF salutes Attorney General Pam Bondi and Senator John Thrasher for their diligent leadership in protecting consumer information in a manner that is fair and not burdensome to Florida businesses. 

AIF supports this important legislation because it provides clear direction to companies for handling data and security challenges in a timely and consistent manner.