MS HB296

Defines identity theft as the use of a person's personal identity information to obtain goods, money, or anything of value without authorization.

Requires identity theft victims to send a certified letter to creditors requesting debt forgiveness and removal from credit reports, with creditors having 60 days to comply.

Allows victims to petition chancery court if creditors fail to forgive debt within 60 days, naming the creditor as defendant.

Requires victims to file a sworn petition evidencing they did not incur or consent to the debt, had no knowledge of it, filed a law enforcement complaint, and received no pecuniary benefit.

Authorizes courts to issue orders requiring creditors to release victims from debt obligations and remove the debt from credit histories upon satisfactory showing of identity theft.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.