Bill > HB4423

This bill expands and updates Texas laws regarding biometric identifiers and biometric information, broadening the definition to include additional types of identifiers like palm vein scans, heartbeat patterns, key strokes, signatures, and gait recognition. The bill establishes stricter rules for governmental bodies and commercial entities concerning the collection, storage, use, and disclosure of biometric data. Specifically, it requires explicit consent before capturing biometric identifiers, prohibits selling or leasing such information without permission, mandates protecting the data with reasonable care, and requires destruction of the data within a year after its purpose expires. For governmental bodies, the bill ensures that biometric identifiers remain confidential and can only be disclosed under limited circumstances, such as with individual consent, for law enforcement purposes, or when required by federal or state law. Commercial entities face similar restrictions, with additional provisions about destroying the data and potential civil penalties of up to $25,000 for violations. The bill aims to provide greater privacy protections for individuals' unique biological and behavioral characteristics by creating more comprehensive regulations around their collection and use.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4423