By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Identity thieves would face harsher penalties under a new I-D theft proposal. The state legislature has approved making all cases felonies. Right now, a first offense of less than 500 dollars is a misdemeanor. The bill also would extend the statute of limitations in all identity theft cases to seven years. Currently, it's three. Attorney General Troy King has been pushing the legislation, and the Senate gave it final approval when it accepted some changes made in the House. The bill now goes to Governor Bob Riley for his consideration.