Identity Theft: Increasing Protections and Punishments (H.R. 744)

What is H.R. 744?

(Updated January 31, 2017)

Would make the prosecution of tax return identity theft a greater congressional priority and would strengthen penalties against identity thieves. Notably, the bill would expand the definition of identity theft victim to include not only individuals but also businesses and nonprofit organizations and increase imprisonment of convicted identity thieves from five to up to twenty years.  

Argument in favor

Provides greater resources for an ever-increasing societal issue. Greater protections for businesses and nonprofits.

Argument opposed

Allocates Department of Justice resources away from other issues. Can be effectively managed by individual states.

Impact

Would shift Department of Justice resources while providing greater federal protections to individual, corporate, and nonprofit identity theft victims.

Cost of H.R. 744

The CBO estimates no significant impact on the federal budget. Would result in a reallocation of DOJ resources, but not an increase to the DOJ's budget.

Additional Info

Media:

NCSL: Identity Theft State Legislation

Rep. Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) Press Release