School scanning drivers license

[MolonLabe]

Any thoughts on a recent policy change at my kids elementary school? They contacted parents and informed us that from here on out we will be required to turn over our drivers license which will be scanned into a data base each and every time we check our children in/out of school or enter school building. I see so many things wrong with this my head is spinning, am I overreacting? Each year we are already required to have a background check done by administration if we are to be involved with any school field trips etc, which I feel is more than invasive enough as it is, but I do understand the thinking behind it, but this seems beyond crazy to me.

[chasfm11]

I'm surprised that yours is a recent policy change. Our granddaughter's school has been doing it for a while. They managed to get a wierd order of the components of my name into that data base and no one could find me.

The system doesn't appear to be all that sophisticated. It looks like a simple data based which has an image file attached. They have no way to parse out any of the information on your DL. The only risk is that someone could access the image and manually transfer information from it. Of all the ID theft things that I worry about, that is way down there.

I'm normally pretty touchy about giving out my ID. This one really doesn't bother me. I believe that it is more security theater but am glad that they are at least trying to check IDs of people trying to come into the school.

[carlson1]

I understand the background check, but I think it would be a hassle to get everyone's DL that comes on property.

[OldCannon]

As I understand, you can't "scan" licenses unless conducting official state business (i.e., Law Enforcement). There's a long letter about this from John Cornyn, back when he was the AG (https://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinions/op ... jc0499.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

It _may_ be legal if the school is considered a "governmental entity," but I think that could be challenged quickly.

[MolonLabe]

It involves a third party softwear which enters your information and checks against national database of child molesters. I have no worries as I am not a child molester, but I am definitely not comfortable with having my information released to some company who I am supposed to trust with my license? It all feels wrong.

[jmra]

We use it. Checks to make sure you are not a sex offender and prints out a visitors card. You don't have to do it if you don't want to, but if you don't you won't get past the front desk. I don't have a problem with it. Don't need sex offenders walking around our schools.

[nightmare69]

We use it. Checks to make sure you are not a sex offender and prints out a visitors card. You don't have to do it if you don't want to, but if you don't you won't get past the front desk. I don't have a problem with it. Don't need sex offenders walking around our schools.

This. My school has been doing this for 5yrs. Ive seen quite a few contractors get escorted off campus after having their DL scanned. Keeps the trash out of the school.

[txglock21]

We use it. Checks to make sure you are not a sex offender and prints out a visitors card. You don't have to do it if you don't want to, but if you don't you won't get past the front desk. I don't have a problem with it. Don't need sex offenders walking around our schools.

This. My school has been doing this for 5yrs. Ive seen quite a few contractors get escorted off campus after having their DL scanned. Keeps the trash out of the school.

+1 My daughter's school has been doing this for years also. I have no problem with it myself. After all, "It's for the kids".

[mojo84]

Boerne schools do this as well. It is a bit inconvenient but I tolerate it. I am leas concerned about my driver's license info and more concerned with my SS # and credit/debit card numbers.

[Abraham]

I wouldn't do it.

My CHL status is on my DL and that's none of their business.

As Old Cannon stated: As I understand, you can't "scan" licenses unless conducting official state business (i.e., Law Enforcement).

Sorry, but giving up confidential information for the school's convenience isn't something I'm willing to do.

They'd have to find out what they need to know some lawful way...

[texanjoker]

They have been doing it here for years. It is checking for sexual offenders. Nothing wrong with that. Their scan won't turn up chl status. Just whether or not you are a baby raper or other sexual offender. I don't think it checks for anything else.

Now my only thought is that if I am going to be swiped then make sure all the teachers and staff swipe as well at the beginning of the school year. I read here how the teachers don't want background checks I've worked several investigations involving teachers/school staff members and illegal sexual relations with students

[jmra]

They'd have to find out what they need to know some lawful way...

Actually at most schools using the system you would just be denied entrance to the school. No back up system for those not wanting to scan.

[gthaustex]

Our school district does this as well. They initially scan the information and it is put into the database. After that, any time you visit a campus, you can give them your name and they can look it up in the database and print out a visitor tag with your name and picture on it. It also validates that you have a student in that school I believe. Basically as said above...more of a system to keep out people with no real business being in the school. Although I suppose that the info on the DL could be used for nefarious purposes, I tend to look at it as another layer of security for the campuses.

[RoyGBiv]

In the grand scheme of things, having my kids school find out the details on my DL, information that is already available to the State, is no big deal. When I registered my kids for school I had to give them my name, address, etc and a copy of a utility bill to prove residency. What else is on my DL? My DOB?... whether I wear glasses?

No cause for alarm. Bigger fish to fry.

Our ISD has been doing this for several years. No heartburn here.