Tennessee Senate Bill SB1353

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB1353 will significantly impact state laws regarding how businesses can handle personal identification. It seeks to eliminate unnecessary retention of private information by businesses that could pose risks to individual privacy and identity theft. The bill also provisions that businesses cannot refuse service to individuals who choose not to consent to the retention of their identification. Businesses will need to ensure compliance with these regulations; failure to do so may result in being classified as engaging in unfair or deceptive practices affecting trade and commerce.

Summary

Senate Bill 1353 is a legislative act aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Titles 39, 47, and 55, to address the retention of forms of identification by businesses. The bill outlines that a business entity, its agents, employees, or contractors, cannot retain a copy of a person's identification in any format unless required by federal or state law or unless the express written consent of the individual is obtained. This legislation introduces new standards for business practices surrounding personal identification, aiming to enhance privacy and consumer rights in transactions.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance between business needs for identification and consumer privacy rights. Proponents argue that the bill is critical for protecting personal information and preventing misuse, while opponents may voice concerns about operational challenges businesses face in implementing these changes. Additionally, there may be discussions on how this would affect industries that rely heavily on surveillance or identification verification, such as financial services and travel. The legislation could foster debates on the rights of businesses versus the rights of consumers in a rapidly digitalizing economy.