SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Credit Union League scored a significant legislative victory April 22 when the Golden State's Assembly unanimously passed AB 1779, which forces retailers and government to take responsibility for consumer data breaches, 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. Last year's identical bill, AB 779, passed the Assembly and Senate, but was vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R).

"With unopposed passage through two committees and the Assembly floor, it's quite obvious the California legislature is in agreement that AB 1779 is the ticket to further protecting Californians from future data security breaches," said Bill Cheney, league president/CEO. "We are confident the bill will be received in similar fashion by legislators in the Senate."