Mississippi House Bill HB73

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Retailers; prohibit use of self-checkout terminals to scan consumer's driver's licenses to verify age.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance consumer protection by limiting the types of technology that can be utilized in retail transactions, particularly in regard to age verification for items that require it. By prohibiting the scanning of driver's licenses in self-checkout systems, the bill may also help in safeguarding consumer privacy. Additionally, the bill affirms that the only entities permitted to use such technology are law enforcement agencies and court officers, which tightens control on sensitive personal information.

Summary

House Bill 73 prohibits certain retailers and retail establishments from using embedded technology in self-checkout terminals or self-service checkouts to verify a consumer's age through scanning driver's licenses or personal identification cards. Instead, the bill mandates that age verification must be manually performed by an employee of the establishment when required for specific purchases. The legislation seeks to ensure that personal identification information is not processed or recorded through automated systems in retail environments.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding House Bill 73. Supporters argue that it is a necessary measure to protect consumer privacy and mitigate risks associated with data misuse and identity theft. However, opponents may raise concerns about the potential challenges it poses to retail operations, as requiring manual verification could lead to longer wait times at checkout and increased staffing needs. Additionally, some industry stakeholders might argue that the technology currently in use enhances operational efficiency and customer experience, which could be negatively impacted by the enforcement of this law.