ANNAPOLIS – The House of Delegates Friday approved legislation to study the growing problem of identity theft and propose solutions, but the lone dissenter in the 137-1 vote said the move was wasted effort.
Montgomery Democratic Delegate Susan Lee’s bill would establish a task force to study the issue.
The fact that the bill creates a bureaucratic tool, rather than a law that would ameliorate the problem, is what kept Delegate Carmen Amedori, R-Carroll, from voting in favor.
“I am traditionally against task forces,” Amedori said, “because a task force is usually a tool that says let’s just wait for time. The time that it takes to formulate a task force you could have legislation passed.”
Maryland ranks 11th nationally in identity theft victims per 100,000 people, while the District of Columbia ranks 12th, according to Glenn Ivey, Prince George’s County state’s attorney, a bill supporter.
Lee said she is readying herself for comprehensive legislation to fight the problem.
“This sends a very strong message that identity theft is an urgent problem,” said Delegate Susan Lee, D-Montgomery County.
The task force would contain members from law enforcement, the House of Delegates, the Senate, plus the Attorney General, a state’s attorney, credit card companies and credit report companies.
“We need to provide protection before the number of identity thefts does spike statewide,” said Delegate Carolyn J.B. Howard, D-Prince George’s. “We know this can ruin somebody’s life because of the Internet, it makes it so much easier to steal an identity.”
The task force will discuss whether banks should restrict information, the importance of who the information is given to, and the amount of resources given to law enforcement to deal with the problem, according to Laura Pomerance, a Lee staff member.
Lee said her ultimate goal is legislation to stifle identity fraud by putting an end to predators who target the “trusting elderly.”
“The criminals are running up huge charges on people’s credit card bills,” Lee said.
Under current law, unlawful use of credit, goods, or services with a value of $500 or greater is a felony carrying a maximum five year jail term and $25,000 fine.
“We have seen a number of people whose lives have been ruined by credit card theft. If it’s not a serious problem, it could become a serious problem, and we are taking care of the issue ahead of time,” said Delegate Barbara A. Frush, D-Prince George’s.