State Lawmakers Mull School ID Tracking Chips

AUSTIN (AP) - Texas House members are to discuss a proposed ban on school districts from requiring student ID badges embedded with locator chips.

The bill by influential Republican Rep. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham would allow voluntary use of such IDs, but wouldn't let schools require it.

Kolkhorst has introduced unsuccessful proposals since 2005 to ban the chips in schools. She is detailing her latest bill Tuesday before the House Public Education Committee.

The proposal would require schools to provide alternative IDs to students whose parents object to chips.

In Texas, school funding is based on daily attendance. Some districts say the technology lets them monitor students' whereabouts with GPS precision.

But chips made headlines when a San Antonio high school student sued, saying the technology violated her religion.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Also Check Out:

• Emmitt Smith Says New Safety Rule Means NFL Has "Lost Its Mind"
• Deion Sanders Divorce Drama Gets Nastier With Steroid Allegations
• Woman Defends Beating Son Caught In Homosexual Act
• Dallas Hospital Offers Free Facial Surgery For African Girl
• Good Samaritan Critically Injured Helping Driver

MOST VIEWED GALLERIES

• PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
• PHOTOS: 105.3 The Fan In New Orleans - Day 5
• PHOTOS: Top 10 Cars We Miss