FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Washington State credit unions have begun pressing the state legislature to pass a bill which would enable credit unions to obtain recompense for damages they may suffer from card security data breaches at retailers.

The Washington State Credit Union League reported that more than 100 credit unions visited their state legislators in support of the bill as part of the league's Government Affairs Conference. League CEO John Annaloro estimated that 50% of the supporters participating in the lobbying were doing so for the first time in part as a response to the card issue.

The two bills, one in the House and another in the Senate, would make the costs associated with data breaches the responsibility of the merchants, according to a statement from the league.

The legislation would also require businesses accepting cards to encrypt or destroy card information promptly while also establishing a “safe harbor” for those meeting basic security standards.