SIA Efforts Help N.H. Lawmakers Reject Biometrics Restrictions
A bill that would have restricted the use of biometrics technologies by private businesses and government agencies in New Hampshire was resoundingly defeated by the state legislature.
In a recent 267-39 vote, New Hampshire lawmakers rejected House Bill 1409, which would have banned the use of biometrics in identification cards issued by the state and private entities, except in the case of employee identification cards. The bill also would have barred a state or private group from requiring individuals to submit biometric information as a condition for doing business.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) provided an education and advocacy push that helped persuade legislators to reject the bill. Biometric data was defined in the bill to include everything from DNA to retinal scans to facial features to fingerprints.
“We are very pleased that New Hampshire residents will not be denied the use of this important security technology,” says SIA Director of Government Relations Don Erickson. “This bill grew out of misperceptions regarding supposed threats to privacy, but biometrics can make people safer while, at the same time, protecting their identities. We thank the lawmakers who voted against the legislation for their support.”
Erickson traveled to Concord, N.H., to meet with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Neal Kurk (R-7th District), and other lawmakers before the vote. Additionally, in February, SIA submitted a statement to a legislative committee that reviewed the bill. That panel voted 11-6 to oppose the measure.
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