Two North Country Assembly members are calling for an immediate end to the Department of Motor Vehicles’(DMV) practice of selling personal information to third parties.

It was discovered that the DMV made more than $60 million selling private information like names, ages, driving records and insurance information, the assemblymen said in press releases, and they are supporting a bill to stop it.

“The DMV’s policy of selling New Yorkers’ private information to third parties is deplorable and a breach of trust; it must end now,” said Assemblymen Ken Blankenbush (R-Black River), who represents southwestern St. Lawrence County. . “I am troubled that we do not know who is getting this information or for what purpose.”

“How can the DMV adopt a policy that infringes on personal privacy and has the potential to put so many New Yorkers at risk for identity theft? It must be stopped,” said Marc Butler (R-Newport), whose 118th Assembly District includes St. Lawrence County towns from Norfolk and Madrid south to Colton, Clifton and Fine.

The bill that they support, is A.2509, would limit the use of a driver’s personal information for the issuance of manufacturer warranties, safety recalls or similar notices. The bill also requires that drivers be notified of the sale of information and that they must be given the opportunity to opt out.

The bill awaits action in the Assembly Committee on Transportation.

Butler is encouraging constituents to sign his petition to help stop the DMV from abusing personal information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YnDJf5n9i3QQ3T5irdla3L5tcFE2qlxF-B_oQ6SlrDs/viewform.