Action by Senate State and Local Government Committee
would guard government information stored on laptops

(NASHVILLE, TN), March 12, 2008 -- The Senate State and Local Government Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Dewayne Bunch (R-Cleveland) and Representative Tom DuBois (R-Columbia) that would ensure laptop computers containing confidential information about citizens is secure and not at risk for unauthorized use or theft.  The bill, SB3671, requires state and local governments to create safeguards and procedures for ensuring that confidential information regarding citizens is securely protected on all laptop computers or any other removable storage devices.

“This bill simply requires state and local governments to have a plan in place to protect the confidential information of our citizens,” said Senator Bunch.  “Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes.   If confidential information is stored by government on a personal computer, extra precautions should be taken to protect that information.”

The bill creates a cause of action or claim for damages for citizens against the state for failure to comply with the act.  This would allow citizens to recover damages if they can prove their identity was stolen due to the failure of government to provide the safeguards and procedures.

“Government has to collect personal information.  At the same time, they have a duty to make sure it is adequately protected.  I am pleased our committee has approved this bill,” Bunch concluded.

The bill will come before the full Senate for final consideration on Thursday.

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