The following is the response from Governor Dave Heineman's office (NE) concerning the lack of security freeze legislation in Nebraska and his recommendation for my next step:

Dear Mr. Coppock:

Thank you for your letter regarding the lack of a law which would allow Nebraskans to place a security freeze with the three major credit reporting companies after their personal information has been compromised.

The 2006 legislature advanced, and I signed, LB 876. Sections 1-7 of LB 876 creating the Financial Data Protection and Consumer Notification of Data Breach Act of 2006. This Act requires that victims of identity theft be notified. During the debates, the component of allowing a security freeze was discussed; however, it was not advanced to my desk as part of the bill. Whether a security freeze provision should be added to data breach legislation in the future is an issue that I believe requires careful consideration, to ensure that a security freeze does not make it even more difficult for victims of identity theft to obtain credit or engage in other financial transactions. This apparently has been an unintended result of legislation in other jurisdictions.

I encourage you to contact your Legislator, Senator Mick Mines, concerning the promotion of a law allowing security freezes. Senator Mines was instrumental in the passabe of LB 876; he also proposed additional legislation regarding data breaches. Senator Mines' email address is mmines@unicam.state.ne.us and his phone number is (402) 471-2618.

I understand your concern and hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Dave Heineman
Governor