Minn. House committee to discuss Target data theft

A Minnesota House committee will discuss the Target data theft Tuesday. Some members are considering legislation to better protect consumers when such crimes occur.

Target officials have been invited to describe how the theft happened and what's being done to avoid such lapses in the future.

DFL Representative Joe Atkins of Inver Grove Heights chairs the House Commerce and Consumer Protection committee.

The reason we're holding the hearing is to find our if there are measures that can be taken at the state level to better protect consumer date, financial data, privacy of customers. It's hard to get things done in Washington, D.C., right now. So, most of the things that are happening tom protect consumers, especially on privacy and financial data, is happening at the state level," said Atkins.

Forty-six states, including Minnesota, have enacted legislation requiring notification of individuals whose personal information has been stolen.

Minnesota law requires "expedient" disclosure. Atkins says it might make sense to mandate a deadline in some cases.

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