AUGUSTA (AP) – Lawmakers took another step Thursday to protect Mainers from identity theft.

Without debate, the House gave initial approval to a bill that would enable consumers to use personal identification codes to put a security freeze on their credit reports. The bill also sets timelines for compliance by consumer reporting agencies.

Sen. Lynn Bromley, D-South Portland, who is sponsoring the bill, said it’s important legislation because it gives consumers a way to protect their Social Security numbers, the key piece of information identity thieves go after when they obtain someone’s credit report.

Under the new law, offenders could spend up to a year in jail and pay $2,000 fines.

April revenues exceed projections

AUGUSTA (AP) – General Fund tax revenues exceeded budget projections in April by $48 million, bringing year-to-date totals $33 million ahead of budget, the Baldacci administration said Thursday.

Individual income tax receipts, over budget by $64 million in April, were the main reason for the monthly surge in revenues, Finance Commissioner Rebecca Wyke said in a memo to Gov. John Baldacci.

Sales and use taxes were under budget in April, leaving those revenues 1.8 percent under budget for the fiscal year to date. Corporate income taxes are 1.3 percent over budget to date for the fiscal year, which ends June 30.

Judges breeze through Senate

AUGUSTA (AP) – The state Senate routinely confirmed the reappointments of three judges on Thursday.

Without dissenting votes, senators approved new seven-year terms for Superior Court Chief Justice Thomas Humphrey, who’s based in Portland, and Justice Thomas Warren, who’s also based in Cumberland County Superior Court.

At the District Court level, Judge Jessie Gunther, who sits in the Bangor court, was confirmed.

The judges were reappointed by Gov. John Baldacci.