SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford), along with joint authors, Assembly Members Lieu (D- Torrance) and Frommer (D – Glendale), announced the passage of AB 2886. AB 2886 was passed by the Assembly by a vote of 74-0.

“Identity theft is a gross violation of personal privacy that cannot be tolerated,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “It is imperative that we do all we can to defend people from these types of heinous acts. Tackling the crime of identity theft requires us to be pro-active and think multiple steps ahead of perpetrators, that is exactly what AB 2886 does.”

AB 2886 would allow judges to decide the most appropriate punishment for individuals committing, intending to commit, or facilitating the commission of identity theft. Under the provisions of AB 2886 these crimes would become “alternate misdemeanor-felonies” and go a long way to discourage criminals from committing this crime.

Identity theft is a rapidly growing problem throughout the State of California. Nationwide, the Federal Trade Commission reported 43,839 victims of ID theft in 2004, with an average amount paid of $1,455 in damages. Those numbers rank California 3rd in the nation in identity theft victims, on a per capita basis.

AB 2886 is supported by the California District Attorneys Association, the California Credit Union League, the California Narcotic Officers’ Association, and the Coalition for Quality Credit Counseling.

AB 2886 is now awaiting Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature. If signed by the September 30 deadline the provisions of AB 2886 would go into effect January 1, 2007.