Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-02-03 Senate Journal
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Full Journal pdf2000-02-03 Senate Journal Page 2181 SB 245 Governors transmittal letter dated February 2: Dear President Pearce: The advances in technology in the last decade have given us dazzling and practical tools for working together and communicating with the entire world. With these advances, however, come opportunities for criminals to victimize individuals and the public in devious and harmful ways. This bill I am transmitting today will help law enforcement prosecute those who cause harm and commit crimes through the use of computers and other high technology. This bill recognizes that theft of personal information, known as identity theft, can damage people in financial loss and reputation, which is difficult to repair. Moreover, it is often difficult for the owner of the identity to get help from law enforcement because that person is not considered the victim; the bank, credit card company, or retailer who advanced the property or services is considered the victim. Deceptive business practices, such as fraud and false advertising, can more easily be perpetrated through electronic communication methods with a limitless number of potential victims. Additionally, offenses such as the production of child pornography are much more harmful to victims when the material is widely dispersed in an electronic format. To address all of the above issues, the bill specifically makes the following changes in our criminal laws: Eliminates any potential confusion that placing child pornography in an electronic format and then onto a computer network or computer system is a serious crime. Replaces credit card with access device in our theft statutes so they clearly include identification numbers and telephone information in addition to credit card numbers.