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Bill

Bill

A 5961

Requires the disposal of copies of identification documents

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Summary of Bill A 5961: Requires the Disposal of Copies of Identification Documents OverviewBill A 5961, introduced on July 24, 2025, would establish new requirements for the dispo

REFERRED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION
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Bill Summary · A 5961

Summary of Bill A 5961: Requires the Disposal of Copies of Identification Documents

Overview

Bill A 5961, introduced on July 24, 2025, would establish new requirements for the disposal of copies of identification documents, such as driver's licenses, passports, or other forms of ID. The bill aims to enhance consumer privacy and security by ensuring that any copies of these sensitive documents are properly destroyed when no longer needed.

Key Provisions

  • Requires any business, organization, or government entity that collects or retains copies of individuals' identification documents to adopt and implement a formal policy for the secure disposal of those copies.
  • Specifies that identification document copies must be shredded, incinerated, or otherwise destroyed in a manner that renders the personal information unreadable and unrecoverable.
  • Mandates that the disposal policy be reviewed and updated at least annually to reflect any changes in applicable laws or best practices.
  • Provides exceptions for certain situations where retaining copies may be necessary, such as for legal or financial record-keeping purposes.
  • Establishes civil penalties for non-compliance, ranging from $500 to $5,000 per violation.

Affected Parties and Impact

This bill would impact a wide range of entities that commonly collect and store copies of individuals' identification documents, including:
- Employers
- Financial institutions
- Healthcare providers
- Government agencies
- Educational institutions
- Rental and real estate companies

By requiring the proper disposal of these sensitive documents, the bill aims to reduce the risk of identity theft, unauthorized access to personal information, and potential data breaches that can occur when identification document copies are not securely destroyed.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Bill A 5961 has been referred to the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee for consideration. If passed, the new identification document disposal requirements would take effect 90 days after the bill becomes law, providing affected organizations with time to review and update their policies and procedures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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