1. (a) As used in this section, "energy utility" has the meaning set forth in IC 8-1-2.5-2 .

2. (b) As used in this section, "specialized credit reporting tool" means a scoring model that:

   1. (1) is available only to an energy utility; and
   2. (2) is used by the energy utility to validate a consumer's identity and creditworthiness.

3. (c) The following persons are not required to place a security freeze on a consumer's consumer report:

   1. (1) A consumer reporting agency that acts only as a reseller (as defined in 15 U.S.C. 1681a(u)) of information. However, a consumer reporting agency must honor any security freeze placed on a consumer's consumer report by another consumer reporting agency.

   2. (2) A:

      1. (A) check services; or

      2. (B) fraud prevention services;

         company that reports on incidents of fraud or issues authorizations for the purpose of approving or processing negotiable instruments, electronic fund transfers, or similar methods of payment.

   3. (3) A deposit account information service company that issues reports concerning account closures due to:

      1. (A) fraud;
      2. (B) substantial overdrafts;
      3. (C) ATM abuse; or

      4. (D) similar negative information concerning a consumer;

         to inquiring financial institutions for use only in reviewing a consumer's request for a deposit account at the inquiring financial institution.

   4. (4) A consumer reporting agency that furnishes specialized credit reporting tools to an energy utility.

As added by P.L.104-2007, SEC.1.