When we obtain or renew a driver’s license or identification card, we expect the information we provide to remain confidential. However, this data may be available to federal agencies or contractors without a warrant. Because Pennsylvania does not specifically limit access to this data, these actors may be accessing databases that contain Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) data without any form of affirmative consent or demonstrated cause.
 
As such, I will be introducing legislation to clarify that certain documents an individual provides to PennDOT are not public records. Further, my legislation would prohibit PennDOT from disclosing such documents except in response to a subpoena in a criminal proceeding, a court order, or a law enforcement request to address an urgent health or safety need.  These restrictions would safeguard the identifying information of all Pennsylvania residents while in no way inhibiting the use of that data for legitimate public safety purposes.
 
Pennsylvanians who make every effort to abide by the laws of our nation and our Commonwealth are entitled to privacy. Please consider signing on to this proposal to protect Pennsylvanians’ data.