California Bill Allowing Parents To Protect Children's Credit Advances

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California parents may soon gain the right to protect their child's credit so their identity can't be stolen by scammers.

The measure approved Thursday would apply to minors under 16 years old or an incapacitated person with an appointed guardian.

Democratic Sen. Bob Hertzberg of Van Nuys says it can be extremely difficult for children or their guardians to fix compromised credit.

California was the first state to allow people to freeze their credit in 2001. But children who've never applied for credit don't have a record that can be frozen.

The Senate approved AB1580 in a 38-0 vote. The bill by Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Glendale returns to the Assembly, which has already approved it but must sign off on Senate changes.