Bill > H1538

This bill proposes to regulate the use of face recognition and other biometric surveillance technologies by the government of Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. A moratorium on the government's acquisition, possession, access, or use of biometric surveillance systems, such as face recognition and other remote biometric recognition technologies, unless expressly authorized by the state legislature. Any such authorization must include detailed provisions on the permitted use, data management, accuracy standards, and protections for civil rights and liberties. 2. Inadmissibility of information obtained in violation of the moratorium in any legal proceedings, except for enforcement of the bill. 3. A private right of action for individuals to seek injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or a writ of mandamus to enforce the bill, with the possibility of recovering actual and additional damages, as well as attorney's fees. 4. Consequences, such as retraining, suspension, or termination, for violations of the bill by government officials, subject to due process requirements. The bill aims to address the civil rights and civil liberties concerns associated with the government's use of these emerging biometric surveillance technologies, which have been shown to have issues with accuracy and bias, especially in identifying women, young people, and dark-skinned individuals.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1538