While RFID fiends are scoping out tag and reader specs, the state of California appears to (once again) be frowning down upon RFID technology. But the reason why isn’t so far-fetched.

A bill by longtime RFID critic and state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, was signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday to prevent California employers from forcing individuals to have RFID implants.

The bill goes into effect Jan. 1, reports The San Jose Mercury News, which also included this quote from Simitian in its story:

“It’s the ultimate invasion of privacy … they should find other ways to keep track of employees.”

Wisconsin and North Dakota have enacted similar laws, the Mercury News reports.