HB 993 -- Computer Spyware Sponsor: Pratt This bill establishes the Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act which makes it illegal for an unauthorized user to intentionally modify the settings of a computer belonging to a consumer, collect personally identifiable information from the computer, prevent an authorized user's reasonable efforts to block the installation of or disable installed software, remove or disable security software installed on the computer, or take control of the consumer's computer by transmitted commercial electronic mail or a computer virus from the consumer's computer. A manufacturer or retailer of computer equipment will not be liable to the extent that the manufacturer or retailer is providing third-party branded software loaded on the equipment that they are manufacturing or selling. The bill also makes it a crime for anyone to assist or conspire with another to violate the provisions of the bill. Any violation will be a class B misdemeanor.