UPDATE: Bill Passes KY House 96-0!
Grassroots advocacy is so critical in driving important legislation on every level of government. With most state legislatures in full swing throughout the country, AMAC Action advocates are already engaged in the legislative process. They’ve been active to help override a veto protecting parental rights and girls’ sports in Ohio and recently engaged on vital personal privacy legislation in Kentucky.
A bill must have demonstrable support to move along the legislative process. A representative can have a great idea, craft a bill, but if fellow legislators don’t act to co-sponsor it, the legislation goes nowhere. Initial support from statehouse colleagues gets the bill read in the legislature and generates more exposure along the way.
In Kentucky, State Representative John Hodgson (District 36 ) introduced HB 45, a bill that protects electronic privacy rights. In today’s digital age, protecting our privacy rights is more important than ever. With the rapid advancement of technology, it is becoming increasingly commonplace for our personal information to be accessed and exploited without our consent.
Representative Hodgson’s bill would restrict the duration and commercialization of data license plate readers gather; prohibit governmental and civilian drone surveillance or video recording of private property without consent; prohibit coercion by governments and corporations for employees to undergo implanted identification or tracking chips (similar to those used for pets); and prohibit the placement of electronic tracking devices on individuals or their belongings without explicit consent; among other provisions.
AMAC members in Kentucky, recognizing the importance of protecting the citizenry’s civil rights, responded to an AMAC Action call-to-action, and sent hundreds of messages to their state representatives urging them to co-sponsor HB 45. The results were immediate and impressive. Eight additional co-sponsors signed on to the bipartisan bill within less than 24 hours of the call-to-action’s launch with even more legislators lending their support by the end of the week. Well done, Bluegrass State AMAC members!
Representative Hodgson was grateful for the support generated by AMAC members saying, “AMAC Action’s efficient process for activating your advocates to politely contact their legislators for co-sponsorships and votes on key bills has been of great value. I look forward to our continued good work together in advancing useful legislation for the state of Kentucky.”
Your AMAC Action team is monitoring the progress of HB 45 and will share any new information as it becomes available. If you live in Kentucky and want to contact your state representative to ask them to co-sponsor HB 45, please click here.
