HB15 Alabama 2012 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

First Special Session 2012

Title

Ophthalmic materials, sale of by licensed ophthalmologist subject to state sales tax, Sec. 40-23-1 am'd

Summary

HB15 creates a security freeze system for Alabama consumers to block access to their credit reports to prevent identity theft, with rules on how to place, lift, or remove freezes and related fees.

What This Bill Does

Alabama residents would be able to place a security freeze on their credit reports to block access and help prevent identity theft. Credit reporting agencies must provide online and phone options to place, temporarily lift, or remove a freeze, with freezes placed within 3 business days after a written request and a confirmation plus PIN/password sent within 10 business days. Temporary lifts can be requested for a specific period using proper ID, the PIN/password, timing details, and any required payment, and must be processed quickly (3 business days for written requests or within 15 minutes for electronic requests). A freeze stays until the consumer asks to remove it, and removal must be completed within 3 business days; fees can be charged (up to $10 per action) with exemptions for seniors and identity theft victims, plus a $5 fee for PIN replacements, and there are penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Consumers in Alabama who want to protect their credit reports by placing a security freeze.
• Identity theft victims who may benefit from reduced charges if they provide police reports within 90 days.
• People aged 65 and over who are protected from fees when placing a security freeze.
• Credit reporting agencies and financial institutions that handle credit reports and must implement the new processes and may be subject to penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Defines key terms: consumer, consumer credit report, consumer reporting agency, security freeze, and related concepts.
• Allows a consumer to place a security freeze by written request; within 30 days, agencies must offer Internet-based and toll-free methods to place, lift temporarily, or remove a freeze.
• Requires a freeze to be placed within 3 business days after a written request, and to send written confirmation with a unique PIN/password within 10 business days.
• Permits temporary lifting of a freeze for a specified period via online, phone, or other electronic means, with required identification, PIN/password, time window, and any applicable payment; processing times are 3 business days for written requests or 15 minutes for electronic requests, with certain exceptions for disruptions.
• Removal or lifting of a freeze must occur within 3 business days after a removal request, requiring proper identification, PIN/password, and any applicable fee.
• Fees: up to $10 per freeze action; no fee for those 65+; no fee for identity theft victims with police reports within 90 days; replacement PIN/password costs up to $5; fines up to $100 per violation.
• Requires consumer notices and a summary of rights, and provides an effective date (first day of the third month after passage).
• Outlines exemptions where the freeze does not apply (e.g., existing accounts, court orders, fraud investigations, banks/depository institutions, and certain permissible uses by creditors or affiliates).

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

Subjects

Sales and Use Tax