Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 1053 adds a chapter to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to protect the confidentiality of social security numbers with regard to activities in the nongovernmental sector. A social security number may not be displayed publicly, printed on a card required for access to products or services, required to be transmitted over the Internet except via encryption or a secure connection, or required to access a website unless a password or unique identification number or other authentication device is also required. It may not be printed on materials mailed to an individual, except for certain documents that confirm the accuracy of the number, involve an application or enrollment, or relate to the establishment, amendment, or termination of an account, contract, or policy. The bill exempts from the chapter various uses, documents, and circumstances that are required by state or federal law and uses that are applicable to internal verification or administrative purposes. Prohibited uses that precede the bill's effective date may continue if uninterrupted and if the individual whose social security number is being used is provided with an annual disclosure that informs him or her of the right to stop the use. Compliance with a request from the individual to stop the use is mandatory. The bill prohibits charging a fee for the stoppage and prohibits denial of products and services to an individual because of a stoppage request.

Reason Given for Veto: "I support the intent of House Bill No. 1053 to prevent identity theft by protecting the confidentiality of Social Security numbers. However, this bill conflicts with Senate Bill No. 473, which I have signed and which addresses the confidentiality of Social Security numbers in a more comprehensive manner."