"I willing to give the same exemptions that exist under federal law," Herrod said.

Overall, bills aimed at cracking down on identity theft and assisting victims gained overwhelming support this session.

However, one identity theft bill that didn't receive a Senate hearing because it wasn't made a funding priority, HB131, would have created a maximum $75,000 penalty for committing document fraud to gain employment.

Morgan said the bill's holdup was the fiscal note of $381,600 in ongoing funding for additional attorneys, investigators and other costs. "It's very disappointing it wasn't prioritized," Morgan said, adding "there was no real opposition" and she'll work on the measure in the interim.

---

E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com