Iowa Senate approves ID protections

By Dan Gearino | Tuesday, March 18, 2008

DES MOINES — Consumers would have new protection from identify thieves under two bills passed Monday by the Iowa Senate.

The first bill, passed 48-0, says retailers must notify customers when personal information has been compromised because of the retailers’ actions. That is different from current law, which places the burden on financial institutions.

The second bill, passed 49-0, gives consumers a streamlined process for freezing access to their credit information. That would prevent new accounts from being opened, hindering identity thieves.

“What we’re trying to do is give (consumers) the tools so they can empower themselves and protect themselves,” said Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Waterloo.

Sen. Steve Warnstadt, D-Sioux City, steered the debate on both bills. He said 127 million credit card holders had their personal information compromised last year.

At least one senator, Dave Mulder, R-Sioux Center, is a victim of identity theft. Mulder said he had $18,000 worth of fraudulent charges on four different accounts last year.

He was able to avoid paying the charges, but it took him months of working with law enforcement and the credit card companies.

“You have to go through a whole legal deal,” he said.

The bills will now move on to the House.

Dan Gearino can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or dan.gearino@lee.net.