Arizona lawmakers pass security breach legislation

The Arizona legislature has passed security breach legislation that would provide notice to consumers when there has been an unauthorized breach of their personal information. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Huppenthal, and drafted by a broad-based business coalition. Senate Bill 1338 was one of the last security breach bills standing after more than 20 were introduced on the first days of session.

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, commenting on the bill, said it supports reasonable security breach legislation. “Because insurers rely on the accuracy of personal information, they clearly understand the need to maintain the security of this information,” said Kelly Campbell, regional manager for PCI. “Insurers take very seriously the responsibility to safeguard their customers’ personal information and to maintain its integrity.”

In addition, the legislation would also require law enforcement agencies to create and maintain an information security policy that includes notification procedures for a breach of the security system of a law enforcement agency, prosecuting agency or the courts.

“All consumers should be assured that no matter where they live, their personal information retained by commercial, academic or governmental entities is secure from unauthorized access,” added Campbell. “We are pleased lawmakers have taken action to protect the security of consumer information.”