The human tracking device bill, H.R. 4919, a bill that would allow the Attorney General to determine “which types of tracking devices can be used” on humans, has been modified in committee. However, opponents are still opposed to the measure.
While the human tracking device law, which includes a $2 million grant program for state and local agencies, is well-intentioned to help locate those with Alzheimer’s or who are autistic who become lost, it creates a power for the Attorney General to determine what types of devices can be used to track humans, creating the possibility that surgically implanted chips could become authorized one day in the future on an involuntary basis.
The House Judiciary Committee had postponed a hearing on this bill, but House leadership apparently has decided to push it through under suspension of the rules — a move that requires it to pass with a two-thirds majority. Now, the legislation is poised to pass the House overwhelmingly.
An identical version of the bill has already passed the Senate on a mere voice vote.
