Chapter 776 Oregon Laws 2003

AN ACT

HB 2658

Relating to disclosure of Social Security numbers.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. As used in sections 2 and 3 of this 2003 Act:

(1) “Disclose” means to make available for review by another person.

(2) “Law enforcement agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181.010.

(3) “Wages” has the meaning given that term in ORS 652.210.

SECTION 2. (1) A state institution of higher education may not disclose the Social Security number of a student who is attending the institution.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply if the institution discloses the Social Security number:

(a) At the request of a law enforcement agency or an agency providing support enforcement services under ORS 25.080;

(b) After obtaining written permission for the disclosure from the student to whom the number refers;

(c) In the payment of wages or benefits;

(d) In the payment or collection of taxes or of a debt owed by the student to whom the number refers; or

(e) For purposes of statistical analysis.

SECTION 3. (1) A community college as defined in ORS 341.005 may not disclose the Social Security number of a student who is attending the college.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply if the college discloses the Social Security number:

(a) At the request of a law enforcement agency or an agency providing support enforcement services under ORS 25.080;

(b) After obtaining written permission for the disclosure from the student to whom the number refers;

(c) In the payment of wages or benefits;

(d) In the payment or collection of taxes or of a debt owed by the student to whom the number refers; or

(e) For purposes of statistical analysis.

SECTION 4. (1) A student who suffers an ascertainable loss of money, personal property or real property as a result of a violation of section 2 or 3 of this 2003 Act may bring an action in a circuit court to recover the student’s actual damages.

(2) The court may award reasonable attorney fees to the party that prevails in an action on a claim under this section.

SECTION 5. Sections 1 to 4 of this 2003 Act become operative January 1, 2006.

Approved by the Governor September 17, 2003

Filed in the office of Secretary of State September 18, 2003

Effective date January 1, 2004

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