Legislative Watch 
LEGISLATIVE
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6/24/04-Gov. Bob Holden signed legislation last month intended to fight identity theft in the state.
The new law, previously HB916, along with another bill – HB959 – signed this month, strengthens penalties for identity theft, provides rights to identity theft victims and creates the crime of trafficking in stolen identities, Holden said in a statement.
Currently identity thieves are liable to victims for civil damages of as much as $5,000 per incident or three times the amount of actual damages, whichever is greater. The new law allows a victim to seek a court order restraining the thief from future acts that would constitute identity theft.
“Advances in technology have created more and more of an opportunity for identity theft, and it is important that our laws keep up with the very real threats to the safety and well being of our citizens,” Holden said.
The new provisions take effect Aug. 28.
