Requires entities that access a consumer's consumer credit report to notify such consumer of their right to obtain a security freeze

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Jackson and 1 co-sponsor

Requires notice to consumers whenever their credit report is accessed, informing them of the right to place a security freeze to block unauthorized new credit.

COMMITTED TO RULES

Overview

S 6446 would require entities that obtain access to a consumer’s credit report to inform the consumer of their right to obtain a security freeze. A security freeze restricts access to the consumer’s credit report, helping to prevent unauthorized new credit applications. The bill aligns notification practices with consumer protection goals by ensuring individuals are aware of and can exercise security freeze options.

What the bill would do

Mandate notice to consumers whenever an entity accesses or attempts to access the consumer’s credit report.

The notice must inform the consumer of the right to place a security freeze on their credit report and presumably how to obtain and manage that freeze.

The notice would enable consumers to take protective action against fraudulent use of their credit information.

Key provisions (illustrative)

Notification Requirement: Any party that retrieves or requests access to a consumer’s credit report must provide clear information about the consumer’s right to a security freeze.

Accessibility of Freeze: The bill implies, through its core purpose, that consumers should have straightforward pathways to place, temporarily lift, or remove a security freeze.

Timing: The requirement applies at the moment a credit report access request is made, ensuring timely awareness.

Relationship to other laws: The bill seeks to strengthen existing consumer protections by coupling credit report access with the ability to secure a freeze.

(Note: The exact procedural details, such as where the notice must appear or the precise content of the notice, are not provided in the summary materials available here.)

Who would be affected

Consumers: Individuals whose credit reports may be accessed would receive a right-to-freeze notice, enabling them to pursue a security freeze.

Entities accessing credit reports: Lenders, landlords, employers (in some jurisdictions), consumer reporting agencies, and any other party that requests a consumer’s credit report would be required to deliver the notice.

Credit reporting ecosystem: Credit bureaus and reporting agencies would be involved insofar as they may be the recipients of freeze requests and may provide guidance on how to place or lift a freeze.

Legislative status and timeline

Introduced: March 14, 2025

Referral: Referred to Consumer Protection (March 14, 2025)

Progress: Advanced through committee stages; 1st Report CAL.946 (May 6, 2025); 2nd Report CAL. (May 7, 2025); Advanced to Third Reading (May 8, 2025)

Senate action: Passed Senate (June 11, 2025); Delivered to Assembly (June 11, 2025)

Subsequent actions: Substituted for Assembly Bill A 8906 (June 17, 2025); Ordered to Third Reading, Rules CAL.923 (June 17, 2025)

Sponsors: Primary – Rachel May; Cosponsor – Robert Jackson

Related bill: A 8906 (Assembly companion)

Bottom line

S 6446 aims to empower consumers by guaranteeing timely notice when their credit reports are accessed, informing them of the option to place a security freeze. If enacted, the bill would add a straightforward protection against unauthorized credit activity by increasing awareness and accessibility of security freezes for consumers. The bill is moving through the standard legislative process, with Senate passage and a companion Assembly bill noted.

Bill