February 18, 2025
Ms. Hassan (for herself and Mr. Cornyn) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
To amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to address the placement of security freezes for protected consumers, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Credit Freeze for Kids Act
.
Sec. 2. Security freezes for protected consumers
(a) In general
Section 605A(j)(2)(A) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681c–1(j)(2)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
(A) In general
Upon receiving a direct request from a protected consumer’s representative that a consumer reporting agency place a security freeze, which shall include sufficient proof of identification, sufficient proof of authority, and all other necessary documentation, the following shall apply:
(i)
The consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge—
(I)
in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone, secure electronic means, or mail, place the security freeze not later than 3 business days after receiving the request directly from the protected consumer’s representative; and
(II)
not later than 3 business days after receiving the request directly from the protected consumer’s representative, notify each other consumer reporting agency regarding the request.
(ii)
A consumer reporting agency receiving a notification submitted under clause (i)(II) shall place the requested freeze not later than 3 business days after receiving that notification.
(b) Effective date
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.