These days, people have ample reason to be concerned their private credit information is vulnerable to identity pirates.

The Legislature should give those who desire additional peace of mind the means to further secure their private information.

Senate Bill 5418 would permit people to "freeze" distribution of their credit information. The consumer could lift the freeze with a password. The extra protection would thwart identity thieves even though they might have the victim's Social Security number and other information.

The bill is set for a public hearing in the House Thursday. The Senate already has approved it.

Proliferation of online technology that serves society so well also makes consumer data more vulnerable to widespread fraud.

Take the case of Georgia-based ChoicePoint. The huge data-collection company was duped by identity pirates who set up phony businesses and purchased information on as many as 145,000 people, including 3,200 Washington residents. The consumer-data industry is largely unregulated as Congress holds hearings to decide how to protect consumers.

A national solution is welcome. But it also makes sense for consumers to exert some control over when their own credit information is shared. Consumers won't have to freeze their information — only about 2,000 Californians have taken advantage of their state's law. But that number is likely to rise as more victims of the fraud against ChoicePoint emerge.

Opponents say the bill would take away flexibility for consumers — unfreezing an account takes about three days. But careful consumers can plan their credit purchases, rental and job applications around the delay.

Individuals need more ways to protect themselves. A new law permits consumers to get a copy of their credit reports free once a year, making it easier for them to correct mistakes and spot possible identity theft. SB 5418 is another way consumers can make sure their personal information is not being abused.