Kaye Beach
*Update 2/28/13 HB 1476 by Rep. Ken Walker passed the Government Modernization Committee 12 to 0 today! Big thanks to all who called or emailed the committee members! Please be sure to give them a thank you!
Here are the committee members’ emails;
Email block (use bcc)
jason.murphey@okhouse.gov, mike.turner@okhouse.gov, david.brumbaugh@okhouse.gov, david.derby@okhouse.gov, joedorman@okhouse.gov, dan.fisher@okhouse.gov, elise.hall@okhouse.gov, richardmorrissette@okhouse.gov, seneca.scott@okhouse.gov, jason.smalley@okhouse.gov, ken.walker@okhouse.gov, justin.wood@okhouse.gov
*Update 2/27/13 This bill is getting a lot of support! Thank you to everyone who has called and emailed. Thurs. morning, before the committee meeting (10:30 AM) It would be very helpfule to have a last push with some phone calls to the committee members. Numbers are listed below. Thanks Again!**
Feb 26, 2013
Biometrics means “measurement of the body.” Technology is used to measure behavioral or physical aspects of an individual and transform this personal data into digital code for the purpose of identification.
In Oklahoma, when we get a state driver’s license or identification card we are having our facial biometrics captured by the high resolution photos. High resolution digital cameras capture, map, digitize and database our facial features for the purpose of use by facial recognition technology.
Facial recognition technology enables at a distance identification and tracking through networked camera systems without our knowledge or consent. (Oklahoma also requires a finger scan.)
The standard for the digital image on our ID cards is the adopted international standard of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization and International Standards exist for one purpose: to enable the global exchange of information.
Americans are experiencing increasing demands by business and government to produce their ID as a condition for access. Our ability to buy, sell travel (and if Congress gets its way-soon work!) is becoming contingent upon this biometric ID.
In truth, we are being enrolled into a global system of identification and control that links our bodies to our ability to buy sell and travel. And it is being done through deception, coercion and stealth and these facts has vigilant Christians concerned.
“Oklahoma has a long tradition of protecting religious liberty through its laws.” OK. AG Scott Pruitt
HB1476 by Rep. Jon Echols Ken Walker will be heard this Thursday in the Government Modernization Committee at 10:30 AM
HB 1476 will permit a religious exemption for those who object to being enrolled into a biometric identification system.
This is, in my mind, the most important bill offered this session.
HB 1476 says that
“Any applicant who has signed the exemption shall be exempt from supplying biometric data to the Dept. of Public Safety.”
And
“The Department of Public Safety shall cease collecting, retaining or disclosing biometric data and from making biometric comparisons of an applicant who has signed the exemption.”
This exemption means that those with a religious objection to biometric identification and enrollment could get a NON-biometric driver’s license or ID card AND that any biometric data previously collected from you would be deleted from the system.
HB 1476 reads in part;
Beginning November 1, 2013, the Department of Public Safety shall modify the application for the issuance of a Class D driver license or an identification card to contain a statement of exemption. The statement of exemption shall contain the following language:
“BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION”
“Because of my religious beliefs, I object to enrollment in an international biometric identification system including, but not limited to, facial recognition and digital fingerprinting that directly connects my body to identification and personal biometric information sharing.”
E. Any applicant who has signed the exemption shall be exempt from supplying biometric data to the Department of Public Safety.
. . .
G. The Department of Public Safety shall cease collecting, retaining or disclosing biometric data, biometric samples or biometric templates from and making biometric comparisons of an applicant who has signed the exemption.
Please contact the members of the Government Modernization Committee before this Thursday and ask that they support HB 1476 which will permit people of faith in Oklahoma to avoid being mandatorily enrolled in a system of identification and control that violates their sincerely held religious convictions.
Members of the Government Modernization Committee
Chair Rep. Murphey, Jason 405/557-7350
Vice Chair Rep. Turner, Mike 405/557-7357
Rep. David Brumbaugh 405/557-7347
Rep. David Derby 405/557-7377
Rep. Joe Dorman 405/557-7305
Rep. Elise Hall 405/557-7403
Rep. Richard Morrissette 405/557-7404
Rep. Dan Fisher 405/557-7311
Rep. Seneca Scott 405/557-7391
Rep. Jason Smalley 405/557-7368
Rep. Ken Walker 405/557-7359
Rep. Justin F. Wood 405/557-7345
Email block (use bcc)
jason.murphey@okhouse.gov, mike.turner@okhouse.gov, david.brumbaugh@okhouse.gov, david.derby@okhouse.gov, joedorman@okhouse.gov, dan.fisher@okhouse.gov, elise.hall@okhouse.gov, richardmorrissette@okhouse.gov, seneca.scott@okhouse.gov, jason.smalley@okhouse.gov, ken.walker@okhouse.gov, justin.wood@okhouse.gov
Thank you Kaye, for the tremendous effort you have dedicated to this urgent matter!
Thanks for fighting for religious liberties regarding biometrics, Kaye Beach! I hope all your hard work pays off.
Schools are sneaking in finger scanners as lunch payment id without notifying parents. It has happened at the Ketchum School District in Mayes County.
So, I’m no fan of systems that allow for greater surveillance (though I acknowledge it’ll become increasingly difficult the more integrated technology comes with our daily lives, from smartphones to Google Glass), but what I fail to see the religious connection here. Why is this particularly an issue for “vigilant Christians” as opposed to, you know, something the general public might want to be aware of?
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