releases: http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-introduces-bill-protect-children-identity-theft
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-introduces-bill-protect-children-identity-theft | Langevin Introduces Bill to Protect Children from Identity Theft | 2014-12-10 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today introduced legislation to amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to address the growing problem of child identity theft that can go unnoticed for years and have a devastating effect on a victim’s credit score. “Childhood identity theft can decimate an individual’s credit score and put them at a personal and professional disadvantage before they ever strike out on their own. A young person’s ability to pay for college, purchase a vehicle or move out of their childhood home could all be impaired through no fault of their own,” said Langevin. “The protections provided by this bill would safeguard our young people until such time that they can be reasonably expected to monitor their credit history.” The Children’s Credit Report bill, which has been endorsed by Consumers Union and the National Consumer Law Center, would add a section to the Fair Credit Reporting Act to give parents and guardians the ability to create a protected, frozen credit file for children. Several states have already passed laws enabling parents and guardians to do this, including Utah, Oregon, Delaware, Texas and Illinois. Langevin’s legislation would expand that protection to all states and territories. The bill would also direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to establish procedures for creating these frozen accounts, including setting fees and prohibiting the charging of fees in the event that a minor does become a victim of identity theft. The blocked file would be unblocked on the date of the minor’s 18th birthday, or upon request by a guardian. “Theft of children’s identities can go unnoticed for years because young people rarely use their Social Security number. Criminals, however, can use these Social Security numbers to open new lines of credit or apply for government benefits, unbeknownst to guardians who are unlikely to monitor their child’s credit score,” Langevin continued. “We must do more to protect our children and ensure that they have a clean slate when they reach adulthood.” Langevin, who is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, has championed the issue of identity theft prevention before. In 2011, Langevin successfully fought for a proposal to mandate free credit checks for foster youth over 16 years old, before they age out of the system. His amendment to the Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act also required that foster youth receive assistance in clearing inaccuracies from their records. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |