2003 bill attempts to prevent identity theft
A task force organized by Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore for the purpose of curbing identity theft in Virginia will present its strategies today as the basis of a 2003 bill.
Identity theft, in which perpetrators gather private, personal information on individuals, is the nation's fastest growing crime.
The bill will propose steps such as eliminating Social Security numbers from college students' identification cards, attacking interception of wireless local computer networks and making identity theft a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
The panel, which has studied the issue since last May, compiled its ideas into a 50-page report that will direct the course of government legislation.
Kilgore said thieves easily gain access to personal information from public places that use an individual's Social Security number.
"Colleges around Virginia still use a Social Security number right out on their college IDs," he said. "We know that health insurance plans that cover state employees use the Social Security number as your identification number."
Because marketing stolen data has proved lucrative, the task force also will recommend harsher crackdowns on such illegal activity.
Verizon, VCU to help
promote literacy
The Virginia Literacy Foundation's efforts to promote literacy have been bolstered by its recruitment of two new partners on major projects.
Verizon announced it will assist the foundation on a statewide media campaign called "Virginia Reads," and Virginia Commonwealth University will help manage a new research center.
The "Virginia Reads" campaign will encourage donations and volunteerism with local community reading programs.
Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education will house the newly established Virginia Literacy Institute. The organization intends to help groups with educational grants and training.
Mark Emblidge, executive director of the foundation, said he hopes both initiatives will increase public understanding of state illiteracy.
-- Compiled by Jenn Roberts
Read More
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | 41 minutes agoKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
Letter from 12 deans to Board of Visitors goes unanswered for almost two weeks
By Naima Sawaya | 3 hours agoAt the time of publication, the academic deans had received no response from the Board regarding their offer to meet with the Board “as soon as possible.”
Sen. Tim Kaine speaks to U.Va. students, discusses Ryan resignation and more
By Grace Traxler | YesterdayIn an informal Q&A session, audience members asked about threats to federal research, the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at the University, potential shifts in the Democratic Party and more.
