This bill passed the house with a vote of 56-16, and passed the senate with a vote of 23-1.
Under current law, the personal information about an individual who obtains a driver license is shared with others, including private investigators, insurance agencies, banks, and the tax commission.
Your information is also shared with the University of Utah “for genetic and epidemiologic research.” You have no say in the matter and cannot opt out.
An audit of the Driver License Division last year found that they had improperly shared personal information. State Auditor John Dougall said:
“In an era when the security and privacy of personal information is already at significant risk, state agencies must be careful to limit sharing of information and must review compliance with the restrictions placed on the use and storage of sensitive information.”
In response, Representative Karianne Lisonbee is sponsoring House Bill 183 to only allow information to be shared with the University of Utah if the individual “affirmatively consents.”
This provision would empower individuals to take better control of their privacy and only allow it to be used for researh by the University if the individual agrees, since it is their data.
