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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
House: HHS DP 12-0-0-0 |
HB 2321: DCS; credit freeze; consumer reporting
Sponsor: Representative Gress, LD 4
Caucus & COW
Overview
Requires a caseworker to place a security freeze on a child's record or credit report within 30 days after the child enters the care of the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). Updates the definition of a protected person as it relates to credit security freezes to include children who are in the care of DCS.
History
The primary purpose of DCS is to protect children. To achieve this, DCS will do and focus equally on: 1) investigating reports of abuse and neglect; 2) assessing, promoting and supporting the safety of a child in a safe and stable family or other appropriate placement in response to allegations of abuse and neglect; 3) cooperating with law enforcement regarding reports that include allegations of criminal conduct; and 4) coordinating services to achieve and maintain permanency for the child, strengthen the family and provide prevention, intervention and treatment services without compromising the child's safety (A.R.S. § 8-451).
A consumer reporting agency must place a security freeze on a protected person's record or credit report if certain conditions are met. A security freeze that is placed on a protected person's record or credit report remains in effect until either: 1) the protected person or the protected person's representative requests that the consumer reporting agency remove the security freeze; or 2) the security freeze is removed if the security freeze was placed or the record was created based on a material representation of fact by the protected person or their representative.
Currently, a protected person is considered any individual who is under 16 years old at the time a request for the placement of a security freeze is made or an incapacitated person or protected person for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed (A.R.S. § 44-1698.02)
Provisions
1. Requires a DCS caseworker to place a security freeze on a child's record or credit report within 30 days after the child enters DCS care. (Sec. 1)
2. Updates the definition of a protected person as it relates to credit security freezes for consumer reporting agencies to include children who are in the care of DCS. (Sec. 2)
3. Defines terms. (Sec. 1)
4. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 2)
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8. Initials AG HB 2321
9. 1/27/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
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