Bill > SB2979

This bill amends the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) in Illinois. It defines "electronic signature" as an electronic sound, symbol, or process used to sign a record. It also clarifies that "written release" includes electronic signatures. Importantly, the bill states that a private entity that collects or discloses the same person's biometric identifier or information more than once using the same method has committed a single violation, for which the aggrieved person can recover damages only once. This aims to limit potential damages for repeated, but substantially similar, violations. The bill is effective immediately upon becoming law.