Bill > H1946

This bill implements comprehensive regulations for the use of facial recognition and other biometric surveillance technologies by law enforcement and public agencies in Massachusetts. The legislation defines key terms like "facial recognition" as an automated process for identifying individuals based on physical characteristics and establishes strict guidelines for its use. Under the bill, law enforcement agencies are generally prohibited from acquiring or using biometric surveillance technology without explicit legal authorization, with narrow exceptions for specific scenarios such as executing warrants, responding to emergencies involving immediate danger, identifying deceased persons, or assisting other agencies with proper legal documentation. The bill mandates extensive reporting and transparency requirements, including quarterly documentation of facial recognition searches, annual public reports detailing the number and characteristics of searches, and requirements to disclose search details to defendants in criminal cases. Additionally, the bill prohibits using biometric surveillance to infer emotions or analyze moving video, with limited exceptions for still images. The legislation also specifies that the Registry of Motor Vehicles may use facial recognition for identity verification when issuing licenses, and the State Police may conduct facial recognition searches under carefully defined circumstances. Importantly, the bill aims to protect individual privacy while providing a structured framework for the limited, accountable use of facial recognition technology by public agencies.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1946