Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 259

Bill Title: Consumer Protection - Required Disclosure of Social Security Number - Prohibited

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegates Smigiel, et al.

Subject: Commercial Law

Committee: ECM

Bill Summary: This bill would prohibit a person from requiring an individual to disclose the individual's Social Security number, unless required by state or federal law.

History: None

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The MD Chamber opposes this bill because it is far too broad and would have unintended consequences. The General Assembly took appropriate action in 2005 by enacting the Social Security number privacy act, which prohibits the transmission or unsecured use of Social Security numbers. However, this bill would preclude legitimate uses of Social Security numbers such as for credit reports, health insurance and other commercial transactions.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.