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NCISS History and the DPPA
Many ask, what does NCISS do and what has NCISS done, for our professions? The recent death of
former Rep. Don Edwards takes us back in time.
Former Rep. Don Edwards (D-San Jose) passes
away at 100 years old
Allowed NCISS Language in the Driver's
Privacy Protection Act
(contributed by Ed McClain, NCISS Past President)
Former Rep. Don Edwards (D‐San Jose), who was
considered the dean of the California congressional
delegation when he retired in 1995, had served in
Congress for 32 years. He passed away in his sleep at
his home in Carmel California on October 1, 2015. He
was 100 years old and had outlived three wives.
As one of the most liberal members of Congress,
NCISS Legislative Team Critiques Eddy McClain's Testimony
(l to r): Dan Westbrook (back), lobbyists Larry Sabbath and William Sellery, Edwards, served as chairman of the House Judiciary
Eddy McClain, Lloyd Davis and Kenneth Romine. subcommittee on civil and constitutional rights for 23
years. He played a role in passing the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 and was one of the most active members in
Congress opposing the Vietnam War.
In 1994, Rep. James Moran, (D‐VA) authored a bill to close motor vehicle records nationally. He did so at the behest of
constituents who operated abortion clinics. Anti‐abortionists were running DMV records to obtain the residence
addresses of doctors who operated the clinics, then picketing outside the physician's homes.
At a hearing before Edward's subcommittee, Moran made his case which was opposed by the testimony of Californian
Eddy McClain representing NCISS and private investigators across the country. Following the hearing, the NCISS
delegation including New Yorker Bruce Hulme and NCISS lobbyist Larry Sabbath then caucused with Edward's staff and
together they hammered out the language which became the DPPA. Since then, motor vehicle laws have been modified
by States, but are still open to search by private investigators with varying restrictions.