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Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3907

Bill 117 HR 3907, also known as the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to place a temporary moratorium on the use of facial recognition and biometric technology by federal agencies, until regulations are put in place to protect the privacy and civil liberties of individuals.

The bill aims to address concerns about the potential misuse of facial recognition and biometric technology, which has raised issues related to privacy, surveillance, and potential bias. The moratorium would prevent federal agencies from using these technologies until guidelines are established to ensure transparency, accountability, and oversight.

The bill also calls for a comprehensive review of the use of facial recognition and biometric technology by federal agencies, as well as a report on the potential impact of these technologies on civil liberties and privacy rights. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for public input and consultation with stakeholders in the development of regulations governing the use of these technologies. Overall, the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021 seeks to address the growing concerns surrounding the use of facial recognition and biometric technology, and to ensure that these technologies are used in a manner that respects the rights and freedoms of individuals.

Congressional Summary of HR 3907

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021

This bill imposes limits on the use of biometric surveillance systems, such as facial recognition systems, by federal and state government entities.

A federal agency or official may not in an official capacity acquire, possess, or use in the United States any such system or information obtained by such a system unless Congress passes an act that specifically authorizes such a use. Such an act of Congress must contain certain provisions, such as provisions naming the specific authorized entity and auditing requirements relating to the system.

Information obtained in violation of this bill shall not be admissible by the federal government in any proceeding or investigation, except in a proceeding alleging a violation of this bill.

An individual aggrieved by a violation of these restrictions shall have the right to sue. Any state officer authorized to sue on behalf of the state's residents shall also have the right to sue on behalf of the state's aggrieved residents.

A state or local government unit shall not receive certain federal law enforcement grants unless the government unit complies with a law or policy that is substantially similar to this bill's restrictions on acquiring and using biometric surveillance systems.

Current Status of Bill HR 3907

Bill HR 3907 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 15, 2021. Bill HR 3907 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 15, 2021.  Bill HR 3907's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of June 15, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3907

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
32
Democrat Cosponsors
32
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3907

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact Areas

- Civil actions and liability
- Computers and information technology
- Due process and equal protection
- Evidence and witnesses
- Federal officials
- Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
- Government information and archives
- Law enforcement administration and funding
- Photography and imaging
- Right of privacy
- State and local government operations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3907

Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021
To prohibit biometric surveillance by the Federal Government without explicit statutory authorization and to withhold certain Federal public safety grants from State and local governments that engage in biometric surveillance.
Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2021

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