LANSING – A plan introduced by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) to require Register of Deeds to remove personal information from deeds and other documents kept by the Register of Deeds' office to better safeguard Michigan consumers from identity theft today passed the Michigan Senate and now heads to the Governor for her signature.
"Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation," Byrum said. "My plan will help protect the identity of our residents by requiring Social Security numbers not be printed on deeds and other documents."
Byrum's plan requires Register of Deeds to remove Social Security numbers from deeds and other documents. Byrum added that this legislation is a result of discovering that a family member's Social Security number, displayed on the deed to her home, was available on the Internet.
"Making this personal information available on the Internet only makes it easier for criminals to steal that information, and steal someone's identity," Byrum said. "By removing this information from the documents released to the public, we will protect our citizens' privacy and decrease their risk of identity theft. I commend my colleagues in the House and the Senate for passing this important plan."