Possible banning of biometrics in Florida schools

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Polk County parents were apoplectic last year when they discovered that the school district had been scanning student irises without parent permission.

The controversial practice may soon be banned.

On Tuesday, state lawmakers will take up a proposal that would prohibit school districts from collecting biometric information, including the characteristics of an individual's fingerprints, hands, eyes and voice. It would affect the Pinellas County district, which allows schools to scan student palms instead of accepting cash in the cafeteria, and other school systems using fingerprint scanners.