HB 5299

Abstract

Creates the Internet Dating Disclosure and Safety Awareness Act. Requires an online dating service provider offering services to residents of this State to disclose clearly and conspicuously, to any member who provides a billing address or a zip code in this State when registering with the provider, that the online dating provider either initiates a background check of felony and sex offense convictions on each member prior to permitting any member to communicate with a member in this State or that the online dating service provider does not initiate such a background check. Provides language concerning the disclosures. Requires that an online dating service provider that conducts criminal background checks to post a safety awareness notification and provides required language for that notification. Provides that failure to comply with the disclosure requirements of the Act shall constitute an unlawful business practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that each failure to provide the required disclosure constitutes a separate violation. Provides for civil penalties. Creates the Internet Dating Disclosure and Safety Awareness Act Fund to be used by the Office of the Attorney General for enforcement of the Act. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Internet Dating Disclosure and Safety Awareness Act Fund. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Adds the Internet Dating Disclosure and Safety Awareness Act to the list of Acts that the knowing violation of which constitutes an unlawful business practice.