Chips 'n insurance

Sure, the Oklahoma Gazette's "Chicken Fried News" made fun of Sen. Brian Crain's anti-microchip bill, a week back, but CFN may not have known what we knew. The chip issue is very real.
Let me remind you all. Back in 2005, when Supreme Court Justice John Roberts was going through Senate hearings, he was questioned by Sen. Joseph Biden about how in the future, he'd be having to rule on the implantation of microchips. Not too funny, eh Gazetteers?

At the time Crain's sensible bill was introduced a few weeks ago, the Oklahoman questioned Sens. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City and Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, Health and Human Services committee members, about their reasons for voting against the bill. Rice said he didn't see a need to prevent something when it wasn't a problem and Anderson gave some bland answer. Having attended some committee meetings Anderson has attended, I couldn't quite get a read on him. Then I heard that Crain's bill, SB 47, was approved on the Senate floor, with Anderson's wacky "uninsured car seizure" amendment tacked on to it. Here's how the Capitol Network News saw things. Again, Anderson gives some bland statement, not worthy of a quote. Read the story below:

Senate OKs amended anti-microchip measure
Author plans more focused measure
By Shawn Ashley
Posted: March 5, 2007

(LIN) The Senate gave its approval Monday to a bill prohibiting the forced implantation of microchips, a measure that now includes a provision allowing the seizure and forfeiture of automobiles driven by those without liability insurance.
SB 47, by Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, prohibits the forced implantation of a microchip and authorizes the Department of Health to impose a maximum fine of $10,000 against violators. Each day of continued violation would constitute a separate offense. Crain said constituents first brought the issue of microchip implantation to his attention.
Although he viewed their concerns dubiously at first, he said examining the website of the primary chipmaker, the VeriChip Corp., caused him to rethink his position and propose the measure. Company press releases, Crain explained, tout the use of the microchips in people. He said he hopes approval of the measure will make a public policy statement that Oklahoma opposes forced implantation of microchips, a policy the company's website indicates should be the standard for the chip's usage.
As currently written, the measure would prevent anyone from forcing another person to have a chip implanted. Crain said in response to questions that he hopes to have the bill amended in the House to focus the prohibition on employment situations and requirements for access to medical care.
The amended bill includes language by Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, which would allow the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles driven by individuals without liability insurance, a requirement under Oklahoma law. Responding to questions, Anderson acknowledged he did not think the bill would solve the problem of uninsured motorists but added that it would provide another tool for dealing with the problem.
Anderson's amendment was adopted on a vote of 32 to 16 (adding a new section that amends 63 O.S. Section 2-503, by adding "10. The Department of Public Safety, county sheriffs and all other duly authorized peace officers of this state during the course of their normal duties to uphold and enforce the laws of the state may seize and take into custody any motor vehicle being operated on public streets and highways by a person who fails to show proof of compulsory liability insurance as required by Section 7-600 et seq. of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.") The bill, as amended, passed on a 35 to 13 vote.
The bill now heads to the House for its consideration.
-END-

So, there you have it. Anderson wants cops to have even more police state powers. If it passes and becomes state law, I'm SURE everything will be on the up-and-up.