U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Driver Data Case
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether Congress exceeded its power by requiring states to restrict disclosure of personal data on a driver’s license, Reuters reported.
The high court said it would hear a Clinton administration appeal defending the constitutionality of the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994. Arguments in the case will be held after October, with a decision likely early next year.
South Carolina sued the United States, alleging the law exceeded Congress’ constitutional powers over the state. A federal judge and then a U.S. appeals court in Richmond, VA, declared the law unconstitutional and barred its enforcement.
The appeals court, by a 2-1 vote, rejected the administration’s argument that the act was lawfully adopted under Congress’ powers to regulate commerce among the states. It also rejected the administration’s argument that individuals possess a constitutional right to privacy concerning such personal information.
