The burden should be on the financial institutions. That's just where two bills working their way through the state Legislature would place it. They are allowed under a provision of the federal law that enables states to toughen up the legislation. Banks and insurance companies claim the free flow of information helps consumers by letting them know of useful products. But too many businesses are selling personal privacy for profit.
Consumers think the information they share consists of such innocuous items as names and addresses.
It's almost like they are looking at you without your nightgown on. They have to respond to a request before information can be released. Opposition to the state measures already is turning out in force. It was successful in sidetracking a third bill. Leslie's bill survived its first test and will now go before the Assembly Judiciary Committee.