There continues to be more questions than answers regarding the Missouri Department of Revenue and the scanning of personal documents. This issue has been discussed at length here in the state Capitol in the wake of the lawsuit that challenges the department’s new policy. As you may know, the lawsuit was filed by Stoddard County resident, Eric Griffin, after he was told his birth certificate and other residency documents had to be scanned into the department’s system. This new policy has angered both citizens and my fellow legislators, who have serious concerns that the Department of Revenue may pass along this information to the federal government.
Before our legislative spring break, officials from the department came to the state Capitol to answer questions about how the private information of Missouri citizens is being handled. At the time they insisted the information was not being shared with any third-party entities or the federal government. However, this week we learned the very disturbing news that the State Highway Patrol has in fact shared a list with the federal government of more than 163,000 Missouri residents with Conceal and Carry permits. While officials with the Highway Patrol claim the federal government did not use the data, this news has caused all of my colleagues in both the House and Senate to be extremely upset with the actions of the executive branch. We are ready to take action to make sure this violation of our right to privacy does not continue.
This week we passed and sent with an overwhelming bipartisan vote to the Missouri Senate a piece of legislation (HB 787) that deals with this issue. This bill, which I co-sponsored, is meant to ensure that the private information of Missouri citizens remains private. Specifically, it prohibits the department from scanning personal information and submitting it to an out-of-state database. It also requires that the department destroy all documents that have already been scanned.
At the end of the day, we want to make certain our private information remains private. By putting an end to this flawed policy, we can keep the personal information of Missouri citizens from falling into the hands of those who might misuse it. I believe this legislation will receive strong support in the Missouri Senate. In fact, the Senate has already given first round approval to a similar bill (SB252) and is expected to send it to the House next week.
Please understand this is an ongoing issue, and I will continue to monitor it closely. One thing you can be certain of is that I will do everything possible to not allow your privacy or your Second Amendment rights to be violated! I believe we will see a resolution to this matter this legislative session, and I’m sure the final outcome will be one that is appreciated by all law-abiding gun owners in Missouri. I will do my best to keep you informed on this important issue.
If this problem wasn’t enough we also found out in testimony before the Committee on Downsizing State Government this week that the Missouri Department of Revenue has been and will continue SELLING access to ALL of the Missouri driver’s license records! While this information does not include your Social security number or CCW endorsement information it does have: your name, address, age, hair and eye color, weight, and driving record.
Today Rep. Chris Kelly talked on floor today about this issue and how just this morning he ordered the entire states database on a thumb drive for a low cost of just over $2,000.00! While I understand the need for insurance agents and law enforcement to have access to your driver information, I have serious concerns that the state has over 4,000 companies or individuals that currently have purchased unfettered access to your and my personal information! I have filed an amendment that I will be adding to legislation next week. This will limit the information to law enforcement and insurance purposes only. I would encourage you to click on the links below for recent “press” information on this topic.
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