ATLANTA (Feb. 4, 2010) – The Georgia State Senate today voted to protect Georgians from being involuntarily implanted with a microchip. Authored by Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) to uphold Georgians’ constitutional rights of protection of person and property, Senate Bill 235 also provides for penalties and lays out guidelines for voluntary implantation.
“By passing this bill, we are sending the message that Georgia is committed to upholding its citizens’ constitutional rights and protection of their person,” said Sen. Pearson. “Advances in technology are moving fast, and while most of these are for the good, we must be careful that it doesn’t come at the harm of citizens. The benefits of a microchip that can be internally implanted are also available in many external forms.”
Under the bill, no one can be required to be implanted with a microchip against their will. Microchips are considered to be any microdevice, sensor, or transmitter that is capable of transmitting or receiving information. Microchips can be used as tracking devices or to store medical information. This bill does not affect the use of pacemakers.
Anyone who violates this law by implanting a microchip in someone against their will shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Nothing in the legislation will prevent someone from being able to voluntarily have a microchip implanted. The bill also mandates that voluntary implantation of a microchip may only be performed by a physician and will be regulated by the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District, which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028