INDIANAPOLIS – The House Employment, Labor, and Pensions Committee unanimously advanced State Rep. Alan Morrison’s (R-Brazil) bill protecting Hoosiers from having devices implanted in them as a basis for employment or to receive additional compensation or benefits.

“Microchipping is on the rise, and Hoosiers need to be aware of their rights,” Morrison said. “It is crucial to take the necessary steps now to ensure more safety and privacy in the future.”

According to Morrison, this legislation prohibits employers from requiring its workers to have microchips implanted in their bodies as a condition of employment or to receive additional compensation. The microchips in question are capable of GPS tracking, monitoring vital signs and being used for security purposes. Some of the data that is collected by these devices is personal information that some may not want shared.

He points to reports of companies that had employees voluntarily be “chipped” with a device the size of a grain of rice embedded in their hands between the thumb and forefinger. The devices replaced company badges and allowed access to computers. Five other states have passed similar bills.

“I have worked on this bill with Hoosier employees in mind,” Morrison said. “We cannot create an avenue, which can be taken advantage of, to collect personal information on Indiana residents.”

House Bill 1143 now moves to the House floor for further discussion.