The New York State Senate has passed one bill and is considering another one dealing with privacy. Both were recommended by the Senate Republican Majority Task Force on the Invasion of Privacy.
The bill under consideration would prohibit insurance companies from using Social Security numbers as auto insurance policy numbers.
The measure (S6928) was introduced by Republican State Sen. Guy Velella on Monday. It now goes before the General Assembly for consideration.
Velella, who previously chaired the Senate's Insurance Committee, said his untitled bill to amend the state's insurance laws would keep New York motorists from "becoming a hit-and-run victim on the information super highway."
Noting that the insurance cards motorists are required to carry in their vehicles "often pass through the hands of people in auto-body repair shops [and] rental car companies," among others, he said that it is easy for someone to obtain that number, plug into the Internet and use it to gain access to an individual's "credit records, salary history, and a whole host of other very personal information."
Similar, but less restrictive, federal measures are pending in Congress.
The Senate approved the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act (S-5947B) last week.
The bill, sponsored by State Sen. George D. Maziarz, requires telemarketers in the state to be bonded and registered; clearly identify themselves and the purpose of their call; the total cost of the goods or services they are offering; and to keep detailed call and sales records for two years.
It would also prohibit telemarketers from contacting consumers who have asked to be removed from their telephone lists, and accessing a person's checking, savings, bond, trust or other account without written authorization. But the measure would allow telemarketers to use couriers to pick up a customer's payment for goods or services only after the individual has had the chance to examine the items.
Along with these two bills, the report by the Senate task force recommended that lawmakers consider additional legislative measures to increase the privacy protections of New Yorkers, such as tighter controls over various government records in the state, including motor vehicle lists, and legislation that would give individuals greater control over their medical and financial information.
