Bill

Bill > S3499


NJ S3499

Prohibits use of facial recognition technology on consumer except for legitimate safety purpose.


summary

Introduced
01/26/2023
In Committee
01/26/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2024

Introduced Session

2022-2023 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The bill prohibits a person selling or offering for sale goods or services at retail or any place of public accommodation from using any biometric surveillance system on a consumer, except if used for a legitimate safety purpose. The bill defines "biometric surveillance system" to mean any computer software that performs facial recognition or other remote biometric recognition. In addition, the bill defines "facial recognition" as an automated or semi-automated process that assists in identifying a person or capturing information about a person based on the physical characteristics of the person's face, or that logs characteristics of a person's face, head, or body to infer emotion, associations, activities, or location of the person. The bill defines "legitimate safety purpose" as any purpose reasonably likely to reduce the risk to life or safety of any person. Finally, the bill defines "place of public accommodation" as any place open to the public offering for sale goods or services to a consumer, and shall include, but not be limited to, an entertainment or sports venue. A violation of the bill' s provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations may result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits the use of biometric surveillance systems, including facial recognition technology, on consumers by persons selling or offering goods or services at retail or in places of public accommodation, except if used for a legitimate safety purpose. The bill defines "biometric surveillance system" as computer software that performs facial recognition or other remote biometric recognition, and "facial recognition" as an automated or semi-automated process that identifies a person or captures information about a person based on their physical characteristics. The bill defines "legitimate safety purpose" as any purpose reasonably likely to reduce the risk to the life or safety of any person. Violations of the bill's provisions are considered unlawful practices under the consumer fraud act, subject to monetary penalties, cease and desist orders, and the potential for punitive and treble damages.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/26/2023)

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