COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSAZ)--Ohioans can now place a freeze on their credit report if they are the victims of identity theft.

Governor Ted Strickland just signed House Bill 46 into law.

The new law allows Ohioans to freeze their credit if they become victims of identity theft or want to protect themselves from it.

For five dollars, credit can also be unfrozen or thawed -- a temporary stoppage of the freeze.

The legislation was initiated by State Representative Jimmy Stewart.