Bill > S47

This bill proposes to prohibit food stores and food departments from using biometric data (such as fingerprints, voiceprints, eye retinas, or unique biological patterns) collected on their premises to suggest items or adjust prices. Specifically, the bill defines key terms like "food store" and "food department" as retail establishments primarily selling food and grocery items for personal or household use. The legislation allows stores to use biometrics only for voluntary customer identity verification at the point of sale. Any violation of this prohibition would be considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice, with potential legal consequences including monetary damages. Importantly, the bill explicitly excludes digital photographs, audio/video recordings, and data generated from such recordings from the definition of biometric data. The goal appears to be protecting consumer privacy by preventing retailers from using sensitive personal biological information to manipulate pricing or marketing strategies, ensuring that customers are not inadvertently tracked or financially penalized based on their unique physical characteristics.

Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S47