New sentencing guidelines for aggravated identity theft

This isn't a technology issue per se, but does highlight the intense interest in addressing identy-related concerns. The U.S. Sentencing Commission has just voted to set new sentencing guideliens for "aggravated identity theft":

At its public meeting April 13, 2005, the United States Sentencing Commission voted unanimously to adopt sentencing guideline amendments that will increase penalties for antitrust offenses. The Commission also voted unanimously to create a new guideline for aggravated identity theft. The Sentencing Commission promulgated the amendments after receiving written public comment and testimony at a public hearing from a variety of sources that included prosecutors, defense attorneys, and probation officers.
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In response to the Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act of July 15, 2004, the Commission has promulgated a new guideline for aggravated identity theft. The guideline is consistent with the new statutory provisions enacted by Congress that provide for consecutive mandatory minimum sentences of two and five years, depending on the underlying associated offense involving the misuse of stolen identification. The Commission also increased penalties for defendants who exceed or abuse the authority of their position in order to obtain unlawfully or misuse means of identification. The new amendments to the sentencing guidelines will be submitted to Congress by May 1, 2005, and will take effect November 1, 2005, unless Congress disapproves them during a six-month review period.

-- Jack Krupansky