SB 374 drastically restricts how social security numbers can be used and displayed in Ohio. It prohibits “any person,” which includes lending institutions and corporations, from doing any of the following:
- Placing a social security number on cards, tags, badges, and other devices used for membership or ID
- Soliciting or using social security numbers as a password for computerized service, telephone customer service, or a web site
- Requiring an individual give their social security number to access goods, services, or a web site
- Transmitting social security numbers over the Internet without a secure connection with the social security number encrypted.
- Mailing a social security number on a parcel that does not require an envelope or with the social security number visible without opening the envelope
- Displaying, selling, or otherwise making available social security numbers to the public
The bill also specifies that it does not prevent the collection, use, or release of a social security number as required by state or federal law or the use of a social security number for internal verification or administrative purposes. Investigations of possible infractions will be handled by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Violations carry a $1,000 fine for the first offense and $2,000 for each subsequent offense, in addition to other penalties.
Jurisdiction/Legislation Level
State
LCS Legislation Status
http://lsc.state.oh.us/coderev/sen129.nsf/Senate+Bill+Number/0374?OpenDo...
Our Take on This Bill
With social security numbers being the key to vast amounts of sensitive information, the ACLU of Ohio supports SB 374’s general goal of limiting how social security numbers can be used and displayed in order to protect information privacy.
Committees
Insurance / Commerce / Labor (S)
