SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Credit Union League scored a significant legislative victory yesterday, when AB 1779, which forces retailers and government to take responsibility for consumer data breaches, was unanimously approved by the state's assembly by a 75-0 bipartisan vote.

Introduced by Sacramento Assemblyman Dave Jones, the data security bill is the league's second attempt at the legislation. An identical bill, AB 779, passed the assembly and senate last year, but was subsequently vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

“We are confident the bill will be received in similar fashion by legislators in the Senate,” said Bill Cheney, CCUL president and CEO.

The legislation now moves on to the Senate Judiciary Committee for hearing, where faces a fiscal deadline of August 31.