Wisconsin Senate Bill SB827

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/19/23
• Refer: 12/19/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Providing alcohol beverage retailers with identification scanners.

Impact

The implementation of SB827 would lead to a substantial shift in how alcohol beverage regulations are managed at the municipal level. By permitting the distribution of identification scanners, local governments would gain new tools to enhance the verification processes involved in age-restricted alcohol sales. This could potentially reduce instances of underage drinking and improve accountability among retail licensees. However, the added technology will also require municipalities to navigate new operational standards without compromising citizen privacy, as data retention would not be permitted under the bill's provisions.

Summary

Senate Bill 827 aims to amend existing state laws regarding the provision of identification scanners to alcohol beverage retailers. Currently, Wisconsin law restricts municipalities from supplying devices capable of scanning driver's licenses or identification cards to retail licensees. If enacted, SB827 would eliminate this prohibition, allowing municipalities the option to provide scanners for this purpose while also instituting a significant restriction on data collection practices associated with their use. Specifically, municipalities would be prohibited from collecting or retaining any data gathered from these scanning devices, ensuring user privacy.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB827 may reveal differences of opinion related to privacy, local governance, and law enforcement needs. Some advocates may argue that providing municipalities with the ability to use identification scanners will lead to improved public safety outcomes in alcohol retail settings. Conversely, concerns may arise around the potential for misuse of data or overreach by local authorities even with restrictions in place. Advocates for privacy rights might question whether the bill does enough to prevent unintended data surveillance, emphasizing the importance of protections even with the stated prohibition on data retention.