House Representative Davids wants ban on microchip implants

A Preston Republican wants to ban people from getting microchips implanted — unless it's for a medical reason.

Rep. Greg Davids said he is working on a bill to prohibit microchip implantation. His push for legislation comes after media reports that a Wisconsin company — Three Square Market — is offering to implant a microchip in its employees. The implant is the size of a grain of rice and would be placed between the forefinger and thumb. The chip, equipped with a Radio Frequency ID, would enable employees to enter the building or buy snacks at work.

Davids said allowing employers to microchip employees goes too far.

"It is kind of like George Orwell's 1984 coming a little later than we figured," he said.

The Wisconsin company's program is voluntary for its employees, but Davids still said he thinks it's a bad idea to allow chips to be implanted in people. He fears the devices could end up being used for purposes other than the ones stated — like tracking someone's movements.

"We need to send a message that this is not the road we want to go down," he said.

Davids said he plans to introduce the bill when lawmakers return to the Capitol in February.