Bill > HR4695

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for law enforcement's use of facial recognition technology, creating strict guidelines to protect civil liberties and prevent misuse. The legislation requires law enforcement agencies to obtain court orders before using facial recognition with reference photo databases, with specific exceptions for emergencies like identifying deceased persons or missing children. The bill mandates that facial recognition searches cannot be the sole basis for probable cause, prohibits using the technology to track individuals' movements or monitor First Amendment activities, and bars its use based on race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. Law enforcement agencies must undergo annual accuracy and bias testing through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, ensuring the technology does not disproportionately misidentify individuals from different demographic groups. The bill also requires detailed reporting and logging of facial recognition searches, with provisions for public transparency, including annual reports to Congress. Additionally, individuals can bring civil actions if they believe the technology was used improperly or resulted in disparate treatment, and law enforcement agencies face potential disciplinary actions and funding reductions for non-compliance. The legislation aims to balance the potential investigative benefits of facial recognition technology with robust protections for individual privacy and civil rights.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4695/all-info