Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
A Levittown-area state representative plans to introduce a bill prohibiting employers from forcing subdermal microchipping.
State Rep. Tina Davis of Bristol Township noted the following in a House of Representatives co-sponsorship memo:
Recently news outlets have reported on a company in Wisconsin that has begun implanting microchips in employees’ hands for use while at work. The company, as of now, has made the implantation completely voluntary. However, I feel this merits legislation protecting employees from having their employers make microchips or other any other device implanted a requirement for employment.
My legislation will require that any employer that offers a microchip, or any kind of subdermal device to be implanted for use during the employee’s work, must make it a voluntary decision. An employee’s body is their own and they should have the final say as to what will be added to it. My bill will protect employees from being punished or retaliated against for choosing not to have the subdermal microchip or other technological device implanted.
As technology advances, we need to make sure we provide employee protections that keep up with these advances and do not allow employers to have control over their employees’ bodies. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important employee protection legislation.
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Davis said that the bill will curb potential problems that come along with the new technology.
Wisconsin-based Three Square Market began a voluntary program this summer to microchip employees to allow certain access to equipment, but it does not track employees location, according to the Chicago Tribune.
“That program is voluntary, but it’s worth taking steps to make sure other employers don’t try to make it a requirement in the future,” Davis said. “This legislation is a practical measure that would ensure workers have the final say over what is or isn’t added to their bodies.”
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Davis’ office said the legislation would bar employers from taking action against employees who opt not to get a microchip. It would also require companies to provide documents on the microchip and information on removal.
The proposed bill isn’t a first. California, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Wisconsin already have rules prohibiting mandatory microchipping.
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