SACRAMENTO, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- The California Senate passed legislation to ban companies from forcing workers to implant identification devices under their skin.

The measure, proposed by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, follows the marketing of a radio frequency identification device designed for human use, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

"RFID (radio frequency identification) is a minor miracle, with all sorts of good uses," Simitian said. "But we shouldn't condone forced 'tagging' of humans. It's the ultimate invasion of privacy."

Simitian said the devices open the door to identity theft and improper tracking if they are compromised by people using unauthorized scanners.

The bill, which was also approved by the state Assembly, now goes before Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for approval.

State Sen. Bob Margett, R-Arcadia, one of nine senators to oppose the legislation, said he feels it is premature to impose limits on technology that hasn't shown itself to be a problem.

"It sounded like it was a solution looking for a problem," Margett said. "It didn't seem like it was necessary."