HB173 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Duwayne Bridges

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Consumer credit reports, security freezes, procedure for placing, removing, and temporarily lifting, fees, notice, fines

Summary

HB173 would let Alabama residents place, temporarily lift, or remove security freezes on their credit reports to combat identity theft, with defined procedures, fees, and notices.

What This Bill Does

Creates a process for consumers to place a security freeze on their credit reports, preventing release of their information without explicit authorization. Requires credit reporting agencies to offer online and toll-free options, issue a unique PIN, and process lift/removal requests within set timeframes. Sets fees (up to $3 for placement, up to $3 for removal, up to $5 for PIN replacements), allows certain fee waivers for identity theft victims and seniors, and requires consumer notices; also lists entities and uses that are exempt from the freeze.

Who It Affects

• Alabama consumers who want to protect their credit and manage freezes on their credit reports, including those considering identity theft protections.
• Identity theft victims in Alabama and the credit reporting agencies and lenders that handle credit reports and access to them under the new rules.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Establishes procedures for placing, temporarily lifting, and removing a security freeze, including required identification, issuance of a unique PIN, and specific processing timelines (e.g., up to three business days for placement; up to three business days or 15 minutes for lift requests).
• Provision 2: Sets fees and penalties, including up to $3 for placement, up to $3 for removal, up to $5 for PIN replacements; provides fee waivers for identity theft victims and seniors; imposes fines up to $100 per violation; requires consumer notices and defines exemptions and effective date.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Consumers and Consumer Protection