Fingerprint recognition in schools

[Wendy M. Grossman]

Roland Perry wrote:
> In article <48E88703.8060007@pelicancrossing.net>, Wendy M. Grossman 
> <wendyg@pelicancrossing.net> writes
>>>> I tend to agree, although in the USA they are happy to give up
>> fingerprints for driving Licences.>>
>>
>> Where would this be? I've had a NY driver's license since 1970, and 
>> have never been asked for fingerprints.
> 
> Several states have required thumb prints for some time, although 
> sometimes only for new licences (from some starting date) and not 
> renewals. California's the biggest, but also Texas, Georgia, Hawaii and 
> a few others.

OK. The really hilarious bit about NY is that when they eventually at 
long last brought in photos - sometime in the late 1980s, I think - they 
made everyone apply in person so they could be photographed (they were 
very inexperienced in Ithaca when they did mine, and it took them a few 
tries). Since then, all renewals have been by mail. So my license has a 
20-yo picture on it that was bad to begin with. AFAIAA there's no 
requirement that I show up in person when it next expires, in 2010, either.

> 
> There's also a Homeland Security proposal that I've rather lost track 
> of, to harmonise the Drivers License characteristics and application 
> criteria (ie proof of ID to get one) in all states.

Yes - that's the Real ID Act, which I'm well aware of. Quite a few 
states are refusing to comply.

wg