Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 2349

Brief Description:  Requiring a social security number for the purpose of identification or as a condition of doing business with a customer.

Sponsors:  Representatives Ruderman and Dunshee.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Makes it a violation of the consumer protection act for a business to require a social security number from a customer, unless federal law requires it.

Hearing Date:  2/4/02

Staff:  Sydney Forrester (786‑7120).

Background:

State law authorizes the use of social security numbers in a variety of contexts, including the collection by employers and dissemination to and between state agencies.  In addition, certain private businesses such as hospitals and financial institutions are required to collect customer social security numbers.

Summary of Bill:

Unless required by federal law, a private business that requires a social security number for identification or as a condition of doing business with a customer commits a violation of the consumer protection act.

Rules Authority:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule‑making powers of an agency.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.