The Nevada legislature is considering new legislation that would make identity theft a felony
Sponsored by Senator Nicole Cannizzaro, a Las Vegas Democrat, Senate Bill 362 would make credit card skimming and similar forms of identity theft a felony racketeering charge.
That crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
The bill would also target so-called “forgery labs,” like the one busted by Metro late last month.
21 people were charged in that sting, while police think another 40 were involved.
Losses were estimated to be at least 3.5 million dollars.
The bill has the support of many state law enforcement agencies, who say identity thieves have become more sophisticated than ever before.
It was passed unanimously by the senate earlier this month, and if passed by the Assembly judiciary committee, will head to the full Assembly floor by the end of May.