Bill > HB4538

This bill, titled the Identity Verification for Consumer Services Act, establishes mandatory identity verification standards for entities providing "covered services" – which include utilities, telecommunications, credit, online financial accounts, government benefits, and other services that use personal identifying information to authorize access or extend service, especially for "high-risk transactions" involving fund transfers, credit issuance, or financial service activation. The purpose is to protect Illinois residents from identity theft, and requires entities to use at least two forms of authentication, such as government-issued photo ID, proof of address, biometrics, multi-factor authentication, or knowledge-based authentication, before initiating or modifying such services, and to retain records for three years. Importantly, the bill exempts certain services, including the Early Intervention Program and the Child Care Assistance Program when they are verifying identities in accordance with specific regulations, and will take effect on January 1, 2027. Violations of this Act will be considered unlawful practices under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, granting the Attorney General enforcement powers.