Subsequent to the hacking of UT Austin’s computer system last week, resulting in the theft of personal data from more than 50,000 records as reported in my previous posting here, Texas lawmakers are giving closer consideration to a previously introduced bill banning the use of social security numbers on student IDs. The act, HB 1026, “relating to regulating the use of social security numbers by institutions of higher education,” would take effect September 1, 2003. As of March 10 however, this bill has been left pending by the House Committee on Higher Education.