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2005 SESSION

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HB 753 Personal Information Privacy Act; restricting use of social security numbers.

Introduced by: Joe T. May | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Personal Information Privacy Act; restricting the use of social security numbers. Amends the Personal Information Privacy Act to prohibit (i) intentionally communicating or otherwise making available, in any manner, an individual's social security number to the general public; (ii) printing an individual's social security number on any card required for the individual to access or receive products or services provided by the person or entity; (iii) requiring an individual to transmit his social security number over the Internet unless the connection is secure or the social security number is encrypted; (iv) requiring an individual to use his social security number to access an Internet website, unless a password or unique personal identification number or other authentication device is also required to access the site; (v) requiring an individual to provide his social security number to access or receive goods or services, unless required by state or federal law; and (vi) printing an individual's social security number on any materials that are mailed to the individual, unless state or federal law requires the social security number to be on the document to be mailed.

The bill provides an exemption for those situations in which a social security number has been and is being continuously used if the user provides an annual disclosure and a cost-free opportunity to discontinue use to the number holder. The bill allows using the social security number if its use is required by law or for internal verification or administrative purposes. Health insurance companies have until January 1, 2005, to comply for renewing subscribers.

The bill also requires that insurance plans for state employees assign an identification number that is not a covered employee’s social security number. Finally, the bill amends the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to prohibit a supplier from using a consumer’s social security number when the consumer requests that his driver’s license number be used. Current law requires that a supplier only provide an alternate number if the consumer so requests in writing. This bill provides consumers with another option other than providing their social security numbers and writing to the supplier for a new number.


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