PENNSYLVANIA ADOPTS NEW LAW TO PROTECT AGAINST DATA THEFTCapitol Notes: Rendell for President? Capital weight loss, computer security and more: "SECURING YOUR DATA

A new law requires companies to disclose any breach of computer security to customers and others whose personal information may have been accessed by unauthorized people.
Notification is required whenever a person's name could be viewed in combination with other personal information, such as driver's license, Social Security or credit card numbers.
Consumers would be notified by letter, telephone, e-mail or through statewide media.
Victims of identity theft can recover damages from organizations that fail to comply.
'Almost all financial, retail, government and medical service transactions are computerized,' said the bill's primary sponsor, Sen. Robert C. Wonderling, R-Montgomery. 'Pennsylvania consumers should have the confidence of knowing their personal information is protected and not in the hands of a criminal.'"