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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Regina Barr (R)

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RELEASE: Rep. Barr to author bill to stop credit reporters from charging to freeze credit in instances of a credit breach

Thursday, September 14, 2017
Bill will also ban the ability of reporting agencies to limit right of victims to sue
 
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS – State Representative Regina Barr (R- Inver Grove Heights) said she will chief-author legislation next session that will stop credit agencies from being able to charge for a credit freeze on an account that has been the victim of a data breach.
 
“Data breaches like we have seen recently with Equifax put the identity and financial health of millions of Minnesotans at risk. Credit freezes are one of the best tools consumers have to prevent financial harm by identity theft in the wake of a data breach,” said Barr. “When compromised personal financial information can be used against victims at any time, waiving the freeze fee for a short period is not enough. I hope to help limit the fall out for Minnesota consumers by allowing them to place a temporary security freeze free of charge with credit reporting agencies.”
 
The bill will also prevent credit reporting agencies from limiting the ability for a victim of a data breach to seek fair compensation for financial harm.
 
“I’ve heard from many constituents in the short time since the Equifax breach who are concerned about protecting themselves in case of identity theft," said Barr. “Regardless of whether the offending credit reporting agency later changed its ill-advised policy, consumers in Minnesota should not be forced to choose between credit protection services and giving up their legal rights if their credit is compromised through no fault of their own."
 
Rep. Barr plans to introduce this bill on the first day of the 2018 session.
 
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