On Aug. 1 the identify law that started as a bill submitted by state Sen. Dan Sparks of District 27A went into effect.

Minnesota is now one of 24 states with this type of law.

The law is good for consumers in that it gives them another tool to safeguard against identity theft. Consumers can pay a small fee to have access to their credit information frozen. When the credit information is frozen, a potential ID theft cannot get a credit card or loan in the name of the consumer.

How do you place the freeze? Call each of the major credit reporters &045; TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Each agency has directions for placing the freeze.

Of course, there are times when you need the credit check for a loan, an employer or a background check. You’ll get a personal identification number and it allows you to temporarily lift the freeze. The charge to place or temporarily lift the freeze is $5.

We are glad to see the law in place. As the world changes in technology, the laws need to adapt. This law is an example of moving in the right direction.