The Govern-ator Terminates RFID Bill

Arnold Schwarzenegger was less than pleased with a bill that would create restrictions on the way that the state could use RFID technology in identification cards.

The bill, subtitled the Identity Information Protection Act of 2006, gives guidelines for RFID documents produced until December 31, 2012, at which point the requirement will apparently be reviewed and updated. It affects all IDs issued by "a state, county, or municipal government, or subdivision or agency thereof, that use radio waves to transmit data or to enable data to be read remotely," and forces them to incorporate certain safeguards.

Here’s what Schwarzeneggar had to say:
(And yes, it is best if read in that too familiar Arnold intonation!)

“This bill may inhibit the various state agencies from procuring technology that could enhance and streamline operations, reduce expenses and improve customer service to the public and may unnecessarily restrict state agencies."