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Identity Theft Legislation Heads to Holden

It's up to Gov. Holden to now decide whether to sign the legislation (KWMU file photo)
It's up to Gov. Holden to now decide whether to sign the legislation (KWMU file photo)

By AP/KWMU

Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers have sent Governor Holden legislation that would toughen penalties for people who steal identity.

Identity thieves steal information like credit cards or Social Security numbers, usually to buy things.

The legislation establishes a scale of penalties based on the value of goods bought with the stolen identity.

Western Missouri Republican Jason Brown sponsored the legislation. "This is a crime that 20 years ago, I'm not saying it didn't exist, but by no means to the extend that it does now," Brown said. "And as technology advances, unfortunately criminals do as well and so you need to bring the laws up to date." The measure also extends the law to cover stolen ID purchases made online. Identity theft currently carries a sentence of up to six months in jail for the first offense, one year for the second offense and up to five years for third offenses and beyond.

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