Bill > S164

This bill, titled "Further regulating radio frequency identification devices in the Commonwealth," aims to enhance consumer protection by introducing new regulations for the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to identify objects, animals, or people, and it involves RFID tags, which are electronic identifiers containing data, and RFID readers, which are devices that can read these tags. The bill amends existing law to include definitions for "personally identifiable information," "radio frequency identification" (RFID), "RFID reader," "RFID system," and "RFID tag." Crucially, it mandates that commercial entities using RFID systems in customer areas must display a conspicuous sign informing consumers that the store uses RFID technology, that tags contain product information accessible before and after purchase, and the purpose of the readers. Furthermore, products with RFID tags must be clearly labeled with a logo or identifier and a statement indicating the presence of the tag and its accessibility. The bill also requires that RFID tags not essential to an item's function must be removable by the consumer after purchase without damaging the item, and it restricts the storage, encoding, or tracking of RFID tags by commercial entities to only un-purchased inventory, with exceptions for returns, recalls, or warranty purposes. Finally, the Attorney General is tasked with creating regulations to implement these provisions.