We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC.
    • Podcast
    • Blogs
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Best Practices
      • Dispatches
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Logistics Problem Solving
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Public Sector Logistics
      • Two Sides of the Logistics Coin
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • MODEX 2020
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC.
    • Podcast
    • Blogs
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Best Practices
      • Dispatches
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Logistics Problem Solving
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Public Sector Logistics
      • Two Sides of the Logistics Coin
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • MODEX 2020
    • Upload Your Video
Home » RFID dodges bullet in California
rfidwatch

RFID dodges bullet in California

November 1, 2006
John R. Johnson
No Comments

In late September, the federal government announced the completion of one of its biggest RFID initiatives to date, when it revealed that 69 facilities at 19 Department of Defense distribution centers had been outfitted with RFID readers. Two days later, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that contained some of the toughest language yet directed at the use of RFID throughout California.

Sounds like a clear cut victory for the RFID industry. And while that may be the case, it's too soon to stop worrying about the California legislation—or any of the approximately 20 similar measures pending in other states.

California State Senator Joe Simitian, who sponsored the initial bill, has indicated he plans to reintroduce some version of the bill next year. The bill primarily sought to curb the use of RFID in public entities such as libraries, government agencies and transportation systems like the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, which use government-issued RFID cards.

"He still thinks it's an important issue and wants to understand why the governor vetoed it," says Doug Farry, chair of law firm McKenna Long & Aldridge's RFID Practice. "This is certainly not over in California."

Still, the fact that the bill came so close to becoming law is expected to prompt technology suppliers and industry groups to renew their advocacy and education efforts. Dan Mullen, president of AIM Global, says the group plans to step up its advocacy initiatives next year. In addition, Farry says that he's seen a flurry of activity since the California ruling. "I have seen first hand a number of efforts by technology companies and [industry] organizations [to get involved]," he says. "I think some of them have seen this as a wakeup call."

That's not to say the RFID industry hasn't already been trying to reach out to lawmakers. In early September, AIM Global hosted its third annual RFID Executive Summit and Legislative Fly-In. Sixty industry executives from around the world attended the event in Washington, D.C., which included more than 40 meetings with senators and representatives. Earlier this summer, senators Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) convened a congressional caucus in Washington to discuss RFID. The event included a panel discussion with industry experts and vendor technology demonstrations, all aimed at educating U.S. policymakers about RFID technology and its potential applications.

Right now, the federal and state governments appear to be distinctly at odds when it comes to RFID. A number of federal agencies, including the Defense Department, NASA, and the departments of Agriculture and Transportation, are pushing aggressively to expand their use of RFID technology; at the same time, a host of state legislatures are mulling legislation to restrict the technology's use. "I think the main difference is between the perspective of elected politicians who are responding to the perception of the technology in the public," says Farry, "contrasted with the people within the government who are responsible for executing supply chain strategies and see RFID as a tool to help them do their job."

Automatic Data Capture RFID Defense Logistics
  • Related Articles

    Cardinal turns to RFID to meet California's e-pedigree requirement

    Pfizer invests in RFID cure

    flashy maybe, but RFID's no flash in the pan

  • Related Events

    Digital Transformation in Supply Chain & Logistics

John Johnson joined the DC Velocity team in March 2004. A veteran business journalist, John has over a dozen years of experience covering the supply chain field, including time as chief editor of Warehousing Management. In addition, he has covered the venture capital community and previously was a sports reporter covering professional and collegiate sports in the Boston area. John served as senior editor and chief editor of DC Velocity until April 2008.

Recent Articles by John Johnson

supply chain 2010 ... are you ready?

RFID: ready to roll

earning its stripes

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Cold chain giant Lineage Logistics buys its own rail operator

  • Autonomous trucking firm Plus prepares its tech for mass launch in China in 2021

  • The Home Depot opens automated DC in greater Atlanta

  • For container lines and ports, what a difference a year makes

  • Outlook 2021: What’s in store for logistics supply chain?

Now Playing on DCV-TV

Jlt procure rugged devices thumb

What it takes to procure the right rugged devices for your warehouse

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
Procuring new rugged devices for your warehouse is often a big decision and a significant investment. It needs careful planning and consideration. It involves more than ticking boxes on a spec sheet. It includes testing and getting employee buy in. And it's about finding a partner that can work with you to deploy...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Proven Benefits: A Compendium of Slotting Optimization Success Snapshots

  • Bridging Information Gaps in Dock and Yard Operations

  • How Intelligent Sensor Solutions Turn Data Into Action

  • Order picking Solutions: Understanding Your Options

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2021. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing