Robbins: Senate Approves Bills to Protect Social Security Numbers, Aid Children and Guard/Reserve Members

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Senate this week approved a number of bills to provide additional rights and protections to consumers, children, and Pennsylvanians serving in the National Guard, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), who supported the measures.

On Wednesday, Robbins said the Senate passed legislation that would protect Pennsylvanians from identity theft by requiring the confidentiality of Social Security numbers. Senate Bill 601 would prohibit any person, business or state agency from making a Social Security number available to the public. It would also prohibit the transmission of Social Security numbers over the Internet unless the connection is secure or the information is encrypted.

"Reported cases of identity theft in Pennsylvania have increased from less than 5,100 in 2002 to more than 7,500 in 2004, making it one of the fastest-growing crimes in the state," Robbins said. "Victims of identity theft often must spend a great deal of time and money to repair the damage to their credit history and reputation."

Also this week the Senate passed an amended version of Senate Bill 361, which would require school districts to open extracurricular activities to home school students.

"Public schools and home school students deserve the best possible educational opportunities," said Robbins. "This includes creating an atmosphere that allows all students to enjoy the social, recreational and artistic benefits that come from participation in extracurricular activities."

Legislation that would update Pennsylvania's child custody and visitation law to better serve the interests of children also passed the Senate. Under Senate Bill 74, courts would consider a list of factors in making a determination on custody and visitation. It also expands the list of violent crimes and sexual offenses for which a conviction is taken into consideration by the court in determining custody.

Finally, members of the Senate passed a House measure that would provide an additional 15 days of annual paid leave for state and local government employees who are Pennsylvania National Guard and reserve members when they are engaged in training or other military duty under orders by federal or state law.

"These individuals would also be entitled to unpaid leave of absence without loss of seniority as authorized by federal and state law," Robbins said. "Those who serve our country should not be penalized for making that sacrifice." The changes would be retroactive to January 1, 2005.

CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322