Credit Reporting Bill Passes State House

ATLANTA, GA — Legislation that would prohibit companies from charging a fee for freezing or unfreezing a credit report has passed the Georgia House of Representatives. House Bill 866, carried by State Rep. Scot Turner (R-Holly Springs), passed the lower chamber on Monday, Feb. 26 by a vote of 168 to 1.

The bill bars credit reporting agencies from charging customers to freeze or unfreeze their accounts.

“Identity theft and credit fraud cases are increasing annually, and in light of this growing problem, it is critical that we take action to ensure that Georgians are protected,” Turner said Monday in a statement. “Between the three major credit reporting agencies, the current $3 fee quickly adds up, and HB 866 would allow our state’s citizens to protect their identity and credit accounts without being financially burdened.”

Currently, consumer credit reporting agencies may charge consumers a fee of no more than $3 for each security freeze placement, any permanent security freeze removal or any temporary security freeze lifting for a period of time. These agencies can also charge protected consumers a fee of no more than $10 for each placement or removal of a security freeze. HB 866 would remove all such fees.

HB 866 will now go to the Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate, HB 866 would require the governor’s signature in order to take effect (For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here).

You can read the legislation by clicking here.

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