New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB449

Introduced
12/30/21  
Refer
12/30/21  
Report Pass
3/17/22  
Engrossed
3/28/22  
Refer
3/28/22  

Caption

Relative to the retention of social security numbers by the division of motor vehicles.

Impact

If enacted, SB 449 would amend existing provisions in RSA 263:40-a, ensuring that social security numbers will be treated with increased confidentiality. The bill also states that the social security number will not be considered a public record and limits its disclosure to specific authorized entities. This could potentially impact the way voter verification processes are handled, as the bill permits the transmission of only the last four digits of a social security number for voter identification purposes.

Summary

Senate Bill 449 aims to modify the way social security numbers are retained by the Division of Motor Vehicles in New Hampshire. The bill allows applicants for a driver's license to choose whether to have their full social security number or only the last five digits retained in the department's records. This change seeks to enhance privacy for individuals while applying for or renewing driver's licenses, as well as to restrict the visibility of social security numbers in public records.

Contention

While the bill has elements meant to protect individual privacy, concerns may arise regarding the accessibility of information required for voter verification and law enforcement purposes. It will be important for advocacy groups and stakeholders to discuss whether the limitations imposed on the use of social security numbers will unintentionally hinder necessary verification processes in various state functions, particularly in the context of ensuring secure voting mechanisms.

Additional_points

The bill has garnered attention for its potential implications on data privacy laws in the state. By placing more control in the hands of applicants over their personal information, it emphasizes the state's commitment to protecting citizens' data from misuse or unauthorized access. As data privacy continues to be a prominent concern at both local and national levels, SB 449 could serve as a precedent for future legislative initiatives focused on individual privacy rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH H0022

Amends existing law to provide for data security compliance training for systems used by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

NH SB2022

Relating to the denial of the registration of a motor vehicle based on certain information provided by a county to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles; authorizing a fee.

NH SB617

(Second New Title) relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways and relative to the removal of abandoned vehicles by law enforcement.

NH HB60

An Act To Amend Title 21 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Division Of Motor Vehicles Data Privacy.

NH A09043

Establishes standards for absentee ballot requests for an applicant including requiring applicants to provide a statement if they do not possess an ID or social security number.

NH HB2020

Requiring a quarterly report from the director of the division of vehicles listing the names, addresses and alien registration numbers of certain noncitizens who have been issued a driver's license during such quarter.

NH HB1492

(New Title) relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways and relative to the removal of abandoned vehicles by law enforcement.

NH SB1073

Voter registration; verification of social security numbers, provisional registration status.

NH HB556

Divorce decrees; reports, includes social security numbers or other control numbers.

NH HB1190

(New Title) enabling the division of motor vehicles to create a temporary traditional driver's license for youth operators about to turn 21 and relative to fleet vehicle registration requirements.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.