HB15 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Duwayne Bridges

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

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

Summary

HB15 creates an Alabama security freeze system for consumer credit reports, setting out how to place, temporarily lift, and remove freezes, with fees, fines, and consumer notices.

What This Bill Does

It allows residents to place a security freeze on their credit reports and requires credit reporting agencies to offer online and toll-free options to place, lift temporarily, or remove freezes. It specifies that a freeze stops release of credit information unless the consumer authorizes it, with certain exceptions. It also sets fees (up to $10 per action, with exemptions), penalties for violations, and requires clear notices to consumers about their rights and how the process works.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents and other consumers who want to protect themselves from identity theft by placing or lifting security freezes on their credit reports.
• Credit reporting agencies, lenders, and other users of credit reports who must implement the new placement, lifting, and removal procedures and manage related exemptions and fees.

Key Provisions

• Defines key terms used in the act (consumer, consumer credit report, security freeze, proper identification, etc.).
• Allows a consumer to place a security freeze by written request; requires an internet-based method and toll-free number within 30 days after the act's effective date.
• Requires a freeze to be placed within three business days of the written request and to provide written confirmation plus a unique PIN/password.
• Allows temporary lifting for a specified period, with required identification, PIN, period, and payment; processing times are either within three business days (written) or within 15 minutes by phone/online during normal hours.
• Establishes exceptions and timing rules if the lift cannot be completed (e.g., acts of God, outages, etc.).
• Requires removal of a freeze within three business days of a consumer's removal request, with proper ID, PIN, and any applicable fee.
• Sets fees (up to $10 per placement, removal, or temporary lift; no fee for those 65 or older or identity theft victims with police report within 90 days; replacement PIN/password up to $5).
• Lists entities that are exempt from placement or access restrictions (e.g., accounts under review, court orders, certain government or mandatory uses).
• Fines up to $100 per violation and requirements for notices about rights and the process for security freezes.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

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