Social Security Number Protection Act of 2000
Latest action (8 Jun 2000): Introduced
What this bill does
The Social Security Number Protection Act of 2000 would give the Federal Trade Commission authority to regulate the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers. The FTC, after consulting with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Justice, and other agencies, would be required to issue regulations restricting such transactions to prevent fraud, identity theft, and undue risk of physical, emotional, or financial harm, while allowing exceptions for law enforcement, national security, public health, emergencies, legitimate research, and cases where an individual has given voluntary written consent. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices under existing FTC law. The bill also amends the Social Security Act to make it a criminal offense to knowingly sell or purchase these numbers, subject to the same exceptions.
The bill would affect individuals whose Social Security numbers could be misused, as well as businesses, researchers, and other entities that buy, sell, or handle these numbers in the course of their operations. State attorneys general would be authorized to bring civil enforcement actions on behalf of their residents, subject to coordination with federal authorities, and the FTC and U.S. Attorney General would retain the right to intervene in or take precedence over such state actions.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 8, 2000, by Senator Dianne Feinstein and referred to the Committee on Finance. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 106th Congress, and therefore did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Social Security Number Protection Act of 2000 - Provides for the regulation of the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers.Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish criminal sanctions for sales and purchases of the Social Security number and Social Security account number of any person in violation of the laws of the United States.
Common questions
- What does S. 2699 do?
- The Social Security Number Protection Act of 2000 would give the Federal Trade Commission authority to regulate the sale and purchase of Social Security numbers and Social Security account numbers. The FTC, after consulting with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Justice, and other agencies, would be required to issue regulations restricting such transactions to prevent fraud, identity theft, and undue risk of physical, emotional, or financial harm, while allowing exceptions for law enforcement, national security, public health, emergencies, legitimate research, and cases where an individual has given voluntary written consent. Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices under existing FTC law. The bill also amends the Social Security Act to make it a criminal offense to knowingly sell or purchase these numbers, subject to the same exceptions. The bill would affect individuals whose Social Security numbers could be misused, as well as businesses, researchers, and other entities that buy, sell, or handle these numbers in the course of their operations. State attorneys general would be authorized to bring civil enforcement actions on behalf of their residents, subject to coordination with federal authorities, and the FTC and U.S. Attorney General would retain the right to intervene in or take precedence over such state actions. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 8, 2000, by Senator Dianne Feinstein and referred to the Committee on Finance. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 106th Congress, and therefore did not become law.
- Has S. 2699 become law?
- Not yet. As of 8 Jun 2000, S. 2699 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 2699?
- S. 2699 was sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D-CA, 1992-2023] (Democrat-CA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2699?
- Introduced (8 Jun 2000).
Related bills in Social Welfare
Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act
Revising SSDI Disability Classifications Act
AACCENT Act
Protecting Elders From Government Error Act
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