H.R. 5594: Protect Your PIN Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the Protect Your PIN Act of 2025, aims to amend an existing law known as the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022. The primary focus of this legislation is to enhance funding and support for local law enforcement in the fight against cybercrimes, specifically including identity theft as a recognized area of concern. Below are the main components of the bill:

1. Addition of Identity Theft

The bill officially defines identity theft as a criminal act that involves the unauthorized use or transfer of someone else's personal identification information. This definition is included in the context of local law enforcement’s authority to investigate and prosecute such offenses.

2. Local Law Enforcement Grants

The bill proposes changes to the grants that local law enforcement agencies can receive under the reauthorization act. These changes include:

Inclusion of Identity Theft: Local law enforcement agencies will be able to apply for grants to address identity theft alongside existing cybercrimes.
Funding for Enforcement: The amendments are intended to provide local governments with more resources to combat not only cybercrimes but also the specific challenges posed by identity theft.

3. Expansion of Cybercrime Definitions

The bill adds the phrase "or identity theft" in multiple locations within the existing legal framework concerning cybercrimes. This integration underscores the importance of tackling identity theft as part of broader efforts to address cyber-related offenses.

4. Intent and Purpose

The overarching aim of the Protect Your PIN Act of 2025 is to improve the effectiveness and scope of local law enforcement in protecting individuals’ identities and personal information from misuse and criminal activity.