Bill > H99

This bill adds a new section to Massachusetts law that prohibits food stores and food departments from using biometric data (such as fingerprints, voiceprints, or eye scans) to suggest or adjust product prices. The law defines key terms like "biometric data" (excluding photographs and recordings), "food department" (sellers with 100+ food items), and "food store" (businesses primarily selling food for home consumption). While stores are banned from using biometric data to influence pricing, they are allowed to use biometric technology for voluntary customer identity verification at checkout. If a food store or department violates this prohibition, it will be considered an unfair business practice, and individuals can seek legal recourse, with potential damages of either actual damages or $5,000, whichever is higher. The bill aims to protect consumer privacy by preventing businesses from using sensitive biological measurements to potentially discriminate in pricing or marketing strategies.

Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H99