A contentious proposal to allow Ohio to issue “enhanced” driver’s licenses and identification cards is set for a legislative committee vote on Tuesday.
Supporters say the enhanced licenses, which include a radio chip and barcode, would allow truckers and tourists to quickly cross into Canada and Mexico without needing a passport or other paperwork.
Some civil liberties advocates, however, worry that the government and criminals could exploit the licenses to track people and access their personal data.
The Ohio House Transportation, Public Safety, and Homeland Security Committee previously scheduled a vote on the legislation last month. However, that vote was delayed as Bureau of Motor Vehicles deputy registrars pushed for an amendment — which will be considered on Tuesday — allowing them to charge a higher fee for the enhanced licenses.
The enhanced licenses would each cost about $50 — about twice the price of a regular driver’s license — and would contain a Radio Frequency Identification chip that allows customs officials at most crossings to access drivers’ personal data and verify their citizenship even when their vehicle is as far as 30 feet away, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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