AL SB56: Facial recognition technology, use of match as the sole basis of probable cause or arrest, prohibited

In one paragraph

Alabama's SB 56 (Act 2022-420) bars state and local law enforcement agencies from using facial recognition technology match results as the sole basis to establish probable cause in a criminal investigation or to make an arrest; match results may be used for those purposes only together with other lawfully obtained information and evidence. Facial recognition technology is software that, to try to identify an unknown person, generates facial biometric data (a facial template), searches a database of many people's templates linked to identifying information, and returns matches by similarity. Signed April 14, 2022; effective July 1, 2022.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

No duties for businesses. Alabama state and local police may not rely on facial recognition matches alone for probable cause or arrests, which limits how results from vendors' tools can be used.

Key provisions

1. 1Section 2(a): a state or local law enforcement agency may not use facial recognition technology match results as the sole basis to establish probable cause in a criminal investigation or to make an arrest
2. 2Section 2(b): to establish probable cause or make an arrest, an agency may use match results only in conjunction with other lawfully obtained information and evidence
3. 3Facial biometric data: a unique numerical representation of an individual's face generated by facial recognition technology from measurements of a facial image, also known as a facial template
4. 4Facial recognition technology: computer software or an application that, to attempt to determine an unknown individual's identity, generates facial biometric data, searches a database of many individuals' facial biometric data linked to personally identifiable information, and provides match results based on similarity
5. 5Signed by the Governor April 14, 2022 (Act 2022-420); effective on the first day of the third month after approval, July 1, 2022

Latest legislative action

Apr 14, 2022. Signed by the Governor (Act 2022-420)

Sponsors (showing 5 of 8)

Roll call votes (showing 3 of 6)

Amendments (1)

• House Judiciary first Substitute Offered Not adopted 2022-02-02