Public commenter asks board to urge delay on proposed FUSIS surveillance amendments

At the Feb. 24 Community Review Board meeting a public commenter read a letter from Molly Secours urging the board and Metro Council to delay or abandon proposed amendments to a FUSIS surveillance system that the commenter said will be voted on at an upcoming Metro Council meeting.

The commenter read: “Please consider delaying this decision at least another 6 to 8 months until we determine the impact of the admin new administration technology itself is maligned or that those who propose the system aren't well intended.” The speaker asked the board to “take a stand and say no to the amendments being passed because this is not about safety” and argued the technology “is about efficiency, not safety,” warning it could be co-opted for harmful purposes by state or federal actors.

The commenter noted Metro staff had responded to council requests and that five amendments had been drafted, but urged further delay while the board and the community evaluate the technology’s potential impact on vulnerable groups. The speaker said: “If FUSIS is approved, there will be no turning back to protect those who have already been harmed, those who are already vulnerable, and any who may be targeted in future.”

Board members acknowledged the comment; the chair said, “Point well taken.” No formal board action or vote on FUSIS occurred at the Feb. 24 meeting; the board’s public-comment period was used to receive community feedback for other bodies considering the system.

Ending: The board heard the letter during public comment and did not take formal action; the Metro City Council is the body referenced as scheduled to consider the amendments.