SB741:

Facial recognition technology; authorized uses.

Bill Summary:

Facial recognition technology; authorized uses; penalty. Authorizes local law-enforcement agencies, campus police departments, and the Department of State Police (the Department) to use facial recognition technology for certain authorized uses as defined in the bill. The bill requires that the appropriate facial recognition technology be determined by the Division of Purchases and Supply and that such facial recognition technology be evaluated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and have an accuracy score of at least 98 percent true positives across all demographic groups. The bill directs the Department to develop a model policy regarding the investigative uses of facial recognition technology to be posted publicly no later than January 1, 2023, and requires local law-enforcement agencies or campus police departments that use facial recognition technology to either adopt the Department's model policy or develop an individual policy that meets or exceeds the standards set by the Department's model policy. The bill directs local law-enforcement agencies, campus police departments, and the Department to collect and maintain certain data related to the use of facial recognition technology and to publish an annual report to provide information to the public regarding the agency's use of facial recognition technology. The bill clarifies that any match made through facial recognition technology shall not be used in an affidavit to establish probable cause for the purposes of a search or arrest warrant. Additionally, any facial recognition technology operator employed by a local law-enforcement agency, campus police department, or the Department who violates the agency's or department's policy for the use of facial recognition technology or conducts a search for any reason other than those authorized by the bill is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor for a first offense, and is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense.

Bill Patron: Surovell

Last Action(s):
(House) Enacted, Chapter 737 (effective 7/1/22) April 27, 2022
(Senate) Signed by President as reenrolled April 27, 2022
(Governor) Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0737)

Bill Status:
Passed House
Passed Senate

Approved