R.I. Lawmakers Eye Identity Theft Penalties

Rhode Island Rep. Al Gemma (D-Dist. 20, Warwick) wants to establish strict standards for identity theft protection and penalties for its violation.

A bill he has filed will be heard today before the House Committee on Corporations.

The Gemma bill, (2005 – H6191) , would create a new chapter of state law regarding identity theft protection and establish procedures regarding destruction of records, disclosure of records, sale of personal information and other areas affecting the security of an individual’s private information.

The committee will hear the bill during its meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, at 5 p.m.

Co-sponsors of the bill are Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich), Rep. Peter L. Lewiss (D-Dist. 37, Westerly), Rep. David A. Caprio (D-Dist. 34, Narragansett, South Kingstown) and Rep. Joseph H. Scott (R-Dist. 39, Charlestown, Exeter, Richmond).