Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: May 16, 2003

Audio Clip

Senator Robert M. Kerr

Finger-Imaging Bill Signed by Governor

Governor Henry signed a bill Thursday that requires all Oklahoma driver’s license applicants to have their fingerprints scanned by a computerized finger-imaging device.

SB 423, which was authored by Senator Robert M. Kerr, D-Altus, requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to implement a finger-imaging procedure for those who apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license or an identification card at state tag agencies.

“This new technology will provide Oklahomans with a state-of-the-art tool to prove and protect their identities. Our public safety officials have said that this technology is better than the traditional ink-and-paper method of fingerprinting, and I believe it will be of great benefit to them and to the public,” Senator Kerr said.

According to Senator Kerr, the intent of the bill is to provide a way that not only helps law enforcement officials do their work more efficiently, but also helps protect the identities of state residents.

“Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America each year, and we have had thousands of victims in Oklahoma over the last several years. When we start using finger-imaging to supplement driver’s licenses and identification cards, we will have an added element of security that helps protect citizens from identity theft and related crimes,” Senator Kerr added.

Under SB 423, driver’s license and identification card applicants under the age of 18 will be required to obtain authorization from their custodial parent or guardian before submitting to the computerized finger-imaging procedure.

In addition, the bill prohibits any other state or federal agency other than DPS from accessing the digital finger image of any state resident without a court order.

“I wanted to make sure that people would feel secure about how their information would be used under this legislation. That’s why only one agency can have regular access to a digital finger image unless a court deems it absolutely necessary to release it to another appropriate entity,” Senator Kerr said.

SB 423 will take effect on July 1.

For more information, contact:
Senate Communications Division
(405) 521-5774