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Bill > HR7356

US HR7356

US HR7356
Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2020

summary

Introduced
06/25/2020
In Committee
06/25/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

To prohibit biometric surveillance by the Federal Government without explicit statutory authorization and to withhold certain Federal public safety grants from State and local governments that engage in biometric surveillance. This bill imposes limits on the use of biometric surveillance systems, such as facial recognition systems, by federal and state government entities. A federal agency or official may not in an official capacity acquire, possess, or use in the United States any such system or information obtained by such a system unless Congress passes an act that specifically authorizes such a use. Such an act of Congress must contain certain provisions, such as provisions naming the specific authorized entity and auditing requirements relating to the system. Information obtained in violation of this bill shall not be admissible by the federal government in any proceeding or investigation, except in a proceeding alleging a violation of this bill. An individual aggrieved by a violation of these restrictions shall have the right to sue. Any state officer authorized to sue on behalf of the state's residents shall also have the right to sue on behalf of the state's aggrieved residents. A state or local government unit shall not receive certain federal law enforcement grants unless the government unit complies with a law or policy that is substantially similar to this bill's restrictions on acquiring and using biometric surveillance systems.

AI Summary

This bill, the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2020, imposes limits on the use of biometric surveillance systems, such as facial recognition, by federal and state government entities. The key provisions are: 1. Federal agencies and officials are prohibited from acquiring, possessing, or using biometric surveillance systems or information derived from such systems, unless explicitly authorized by an Act of Congress that describes the specific authorized uses, standards, and safeguards. 2. Information obtained in violation of this bill's restrictions is generally not admissible by the federal government in any proceeding or investigation, except for a proceeding alleging a violation of this bill. Individuals and state attorneys general have the right to sue for violations. 3. Federal funding for the purchase or use of biometric surveillance systems by federal law enforcement agencies and other federal agencies is prohibited. 4. State and local governments are ineligible to receive certain federal law enforcement grants (Byrne grants) unless they have a law or policy substantially similar to the federal restrictions on biometric surveillance. The bill aims to address concerns around the use of biometric surveillance technology, particularly facial recognition, by the federal government and state/local governments receiving federal funding, by imposing strict limitations and oversight requirements.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (on 06/25/2020)
(1 Companion Bills)

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