Tennessee House Bill HB1486

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 47 and Title 55, relative to the retention of forms of identification.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1486 is expected to significantly alter how businesses handle customer identification information. By mandating businesses to obtain express consent before retaining such information, the bill aims to reduce the risk of data breaches and identity theft for consumers. Additionally, businesses will not be allowed to refuse services solely based on a customer's refusal to provide consent for retention, thereby reinforcing consumer rights. However, the bill does include exceptions for cases where retention is mandated by other laws.

Summary

House Bill 1486 seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the retention of forms of identification by businesses. The bill prohibits business entities from retaining copies of a person's identification unless they have express consent from the individual or it is required by federal or state law. This legislative change is positioned as a measure to protect consumer privacy and prevent unauthorized sharing or misuse of personal identification data.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1486 appears to be largely positive among consumer advocacy groups and privacy advocates, who view it as a critical step toward enhancing consumer protections. However, some business representatives have expressed concerns about the potential operational burdens and the complexities that could arise from having to seek consent for identification retention in daily transactions. This dichotomy positions the bill as both a consumer-friendly initiative and a challenge for businesses in compliance.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between consumer privacy and business efficiency. While supporters emphasize the necessity of protecting personal information in an increasingly digital world, some industry stakeholders argue that the requirement for express consent could hinder customer interactions, especially in environments where quick transactions are essential. Furthermore, there is apprehension about how the bill's provisions might complicate existing processes for identity verification.