HB313 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mike Millican

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Duwayne BridgesRichard J. LairdWayne Johnson

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

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

Summary

HB313 creates and regulates security freezes on Alabama consumers' credit reports to protect against identity theft, detailing how to place, temporarily lift, and remove freezes, with fees and penalties.

What This Bill Does

It allows a consumer to place a security freeze on their credit report, restricting release of information without prior authorization. It requires credit reporting agencies to provide online and phone options to place, lift temporarily, or remove a freeze, and to confirm actions with a PIN. It sets processing timeframes for placing, lifting, and removing freezes, and imposes fees (up to $10 per action; waivers for seniors and identity theft victims; replacement PIN up to $5) and penalties for violations. It also lists exceptions where freezes do not apply and requires consumer notices about rights and procedures.

Who It Affects

• Alabama consumers who want to protect their credit from identity theft; they can place, temporarily lift, or remove a security freeze and may be charged fees (with waivers for seniors and identity theft victims).
• Credit reporting agencies and entities that access credit information (lenders, insurers, utilities, government agencies, and others) which must follow the new freeze procedures, processing timelines, and exemptions.

Key Provisions

• Creates a security freeze on a consumer's credit report to prevent release without express authorization.
• Requires credit reporting agencies to offer internet and toll-free methods to place, lift temporarily, or remove a security freeze within specified timeframes.
• Freeze must be placed within three business days after a written request; confirmation and a unique PIN/password must be provided to the consumer.
• Temporary lifts must be processed within three business days for written requests or within 15 minutes by phone or electronic methods, given proper ID, PIN, and any required payment.
• Removal of a security freeze must occur within three business days of the request and requires proper identification, PIN/password, and any applicable fee.
• Fees: up to $10 per freeze action; no fee for those 65 or older; waivers for identity theft victims; replacement PIN/password up to $5.
• Exemptions allow certain users (e.g., existing creditors, court orders, banks, insurers, utilities, law enforcement) to access information despite a freeze.
• Consumers must receive notice about the freeze process and rights; changes to personal information during a freeze require written confirmation within 30 days.
• Violations can result in fines up to $100 per consumer.

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