Rupp: Consumers Gain More Protection From Identity Theft Legislation

My legislation that requires credit reporting agencies to further protect consumers from identity theft was passed last week by the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives.

The Missouri Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 801 on March 4. The legislation requires consumer reporting agencies, or businesses that assemble and evaluate consumer credit information, to block certain information that the consumer identifies as a result of an identity theft situation. The legislation requires the consumer to furnish proof of identity and a copy of the identity theft report, as well as provide a statement that says the blocked information is not a transaction by the consumer. The consumer reporting agency must respond within four days.

What we're finding is that, not only can a person be devastated by identity theft, but they can continue to be devastated when their personal information is compromised and fraudulent purchases continue to show up on their credit reports.  It's a big process to clean up this kind of mess. This legislation makes it easier for those who suffer from identity theft to get their finances in order, and it encourages the credit reporting agencies to be prompt in blocking that fraudulent information from the identity theft victims' reports.

Now that the bill has passed the Senate, the measure is scheduled for debate in the House

MULTIMEDIA PAGE

I recently added a new audio link to my multimedia page located on my Missouri Senate website. This page features audio and video links (both streaming and broadcast quality — when available) for visitors to listen to and watch as I address issues that are important to me and the citizens of the 2^nd Senatorial District.

The new audio clips on my multimedia page feature me discussing a new feature on my Missouri Senate website: the Constituent Question of the Week. The last question, which was posted for two weeks, asked about my proposal to require drug testing for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Senate Bill 725, the drug screening and testing bill, has been combined with Senate Bill 607, the Senate's encompassing measure that would require drug testing for work-eligible TANF applicants and recipients based upon reasonable suspicion.

The result:
95% responded yes
5%  responded no

A new question this week is posted on my website which ask:

The current economic situation will bring about severe reductions in our state's budget in order for the legislature to pass the balanced budget that the Missouri Constitution requires.

In your opinion, which of these actions seems the most reasonable to begin with?

1. Reduce K-12 Education Spending
2. Reduce Higher Education Spending
3. Reduce Medicaid/Welfare Expenditures
4. Reduce tax credits for economic development & job creation
5. Provide for an earlier release of non-violent prison offenders in order to reduce corrections/prison expenditures

And which of these would you NOT want to see happen?

1. Reduce K-12 Education Spending
2. Reduce Higher Education Spending
3. Reduce Medicaid/Welfare Expenditures
4. Reduce tax credits for economic development & job creation
5. Provide for an earlier release of non-violent prison offenders in order to reduce corrections/prison expenditures

Please go to my web page at: http://www.senate.mo.gov/10info/members/mem02.htm and click on "Question of the Week" in the upper right hand corner to respond to the survey.

I will continue to add audio and video clips during the 2010 legislative session with up dates on legislative action for the week plus the responses to my survey question. To view my multimedia page, visit http://www.senate.mo.gov/multimedia/Rupp/RuppMultimedia.html.

As the 2010 legislative session unfolds, I will continue to keep you, my constituents, apprised of all major developments, and I look forward to continuing to serve your needs and priorities in Jefferson City. As always, if you have any questions about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.