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2000 SESSION

001656544
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 229
Offered January 24, 2000
Directing the Virginia State Crime Commission to study identity fraud and theft.
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Patrons-- Ticer, Couric, Edwards, Hawkins, Lucas, Rerras and Reynolds; Delegates: Black, Darner, Hull and Moran
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, an increasing problem in the nation is that of identity theft where a criminal "adopts" the personal financial information of another and uses this information to fraudulently obtain credit, personal property, or employment; and

WHEREAS, such fraudulent use of another's identity has even led to innocent persons being accused of crimes; and

WHEREAS, Congress made identity fraud a federal crime in 1998, and 15 states have thus far followed suit; and

WHEREAS, although Virginia law allows the use of an identifying number instead of a social security number on driver's licenses, restricts the disclosure of information held by the Department of Motor Vehicles, and prohibits the Board of Elections from releasing social security numbers, there may be other preventative as well as punitive steps that may be taken to combat crime in this area; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Virginia State Crime Commission be directed to study identity fraud and theft.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission for this study, upon request.

The Commission shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.