AN ACT relating to the administration of the government; prohibiting governmental entities from using biometric data to identify a person or verify a person's identity; prohibiting governmental entities from using geolocation data to identify the location of a person or motor vehicle; prohibiting governmental entities from using automatic license plate reader systems to identify motor vehicles or collect fees on highways; prohibiting governmental entities from contracting with third party vendors to use biometric data, geolocation data and automatic license plate reader systems; requiring governmental entities to adopt policies as specified; providing exceptions; providing a civil cause of action; amending the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act; providing definitions; making conforming amendments; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date.
Impact
The implications of HB0181 are significant, as it introduces strict liabilities for governmental entities violating its provisions. It explicitly affirms that any biometric or geolocation data unlawfully accessed will not be admissible in legal proceedings, fostering a greater sense of privacy for individuals. The push for such legislation arises from increasing concerns about government surveillance and the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy, particularly regarding the collection and storage of sensitive personal information by state entities.
Summary
House Bill 0181 focuses on regulating the use of biometric data, geolocation data, and automatic license plate readers by governmental entities in Wyoming. The bill prohibits these entities from obtaining or using biometric data for identification or verification of identity, accessing geolocation data to pinpoint the location of individuals or vehicles, and employing automatic license plate readers for identification purposes. Furthermore, governmental entities are restricted from contracting with third-party vendors for the use of these technologies, emphasizing a strong restriction on data collection practices.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB0181 include the balance between law enforcement needs and individual privacy rights. While the bill restricts the use of biometric data for all but emergency situations, critics argue that such limitations may hinder effective policing and public safety measures. Supporters of the bill, however, advocate that the risks associated with data misuse and potential overreach by government agencies outweigh the need for unfettered access to such information, reiterating the importance of safeguarding individual liberties in the digital age.