A consumer reporting agency must provide consumers written disclosures of their file information and include a clear statement of consumer rights and related procedures.
Sec. 20.03. DISCLOSURES TO CONSUMERS. (a) On request and proper identification provided by a consumer, a consumer reporting agency shall disclose to the consumer in writing all information pertaining to the consumer in the consumer reporting agency's files at the time of the request, including: (1) the name of each person requesting credit information about the consumer during the preceding six months and the date of each request; (2) a set of instructions describing how information is presented on the consumer reporting agency's written disclosure of the consumer file; and (3) if the consumer reporting agency compiles and maintains files on a nationwide basis, a toll-free number at which personnel are available to consumers during normal business hours for use in resolving a dispute if the consumer submits a written dispute to the consumer reporting agency. (b) The information must be disclosed in a clear, accurate manner that is understandable to a consumer. (c) A consumer reporting agency shall provide a copy of the consumer's file to the consumer on the request of the consumer and on evidence of proper identification, as directed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1681 et seq.), as amended, and regulations adopted under that Act. (d) Any written disclosure to a consumer by a consumer reporting agency under this chapter must include a written statement that explains in clear and simple language the consumer's rights under this chapter and includes: (1) the process for receiving a consumer report or consumer file; (2) the process for requesting or removing a security alert or freeze; (3) the toll-free telephone number for requesting a security alert; (4) applicable fees; (5) dispute procedures; (6) the process for correcting a consumer file or report; and (7) information on a consumer's right to bring an action in court or arbitrate a dispute. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1396, Sec. 33(a), eff. Oct. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1326, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Assigned by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 64 (S.B. 60), Sec. 2, eff. January 1, 2014. SUBCHAPTER B. SECURITY ALERT AND SECURITY FREEZE