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Committee approves bill allowing accommodation for biometric exam objections
Summary
An amendment to HB0846 would require licensing boards and their contractors to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with sincerely held objections to biometric identifiers (for example, palm scans) used in licensing exams. The committee passed the bill 22-0 and sent it to Health.
Representative Renaud presented an amendment that would ensure people who object to biometric identification on grounds such as religious belief or privacy can receive a reasonable accommodation when a licensing exam requires a biometric palm scan. She said the bill "does not prohibit biometric technology" but provides alternative options for those with sincerely held objections.
Sponsor testimony emphasized the bill preserves exam integrity while protecting privacy and religious exercise; the sponsor noted existing accommodation practices at testing centers and said there is no federal mandate requiring biometric scans for professional licensure. The committee voted 22-0 to advance HB0846 to Health.
