The proposed bill would amend current statutes by requiring the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to place a security freeze on a child's record or credit report within 30 days after the child is adjudicated as a dependent and placed in DCS care. This security freeze would remain in effect until the child reaches 16 years of age, at which point the child can choose to keep or remove the freeze. Additionally, DCS would be mandated to notify the child's parent or guardian when a security freeze is placed and provide information on how to remove it when the child leaves DCS custody.
Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of a "protected person" to include children in the care of DCS, alongside those under 16 years of age or incapacitated individuals. It also makes technical adjustments to existing language regarding the removal of security freezes and clarifies the meanings of "record" and "security freeze" as per existing statutes. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the protection of children's financial identities while in state care.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 8-530.10, 44-1698.02
House Engrossed Version: 8-530.10, 44-1698.02
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-530.10, 44-1698.02