NJ S2479

Parents or legal guardians in New Jersey may place a security freeze on the consumer report of children under 18 years of age (defined as "protected consumers") to prevent identity theft

Consumer reporting agencies must create a record and place a security freeze within five business days of receiving a request, even if no file exists for the child, and must provide a unique PIN or password for future authorizations

Security freezes remain in place until the parent/guardian requests removal or the child turns 18, with agencies required to process removal requests within three business days

Placing a security freeze is free, while removing or temporarily lifting the freeze may cost up to $5, and replacing a lost PIN may also incur a $5 fee

The bill takes effect on the first day of the third month following enactment and amends existing provisions under New Jersey's Identity Theft Prevention Act