In one paragraph
Minnesota's HF 3146 would have barred state and local government entities, law enforcement agencies and officials from obtaining, retaining, accessing or using face surveillance systems or their information, or contracting with private entities to do so. Evidence from violations would have been inadmissible, and people could sue for damages of at least $1,000 or $100 per violation, whichever is greater, plus injunctions. Introduced April 7, 2025 and referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy and it never left committee.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died, so it creates no obligations. It would have barred Minnesota government agencies from using facial recognition.
Key provisions
- Would have added Minn. Stat. 626.191; face surveillance means an automated or semiautomated process that helps identify a person from facial characteristics; no companion listed
- Government entities and officials could not obtain, use or contract with private entities for face surveillance systems or their information; the text lists no exceptions
- Data and evidence from violations inadmissible in court and other proceedings and to be deleted on discovery
- A person could seek injunctive or declaratory relief or a writ of mandate; people subjected to face surveillance in violation could recover actual damages, but not less than $1,000 or $100 per violation, whichever is greater, and prevailing plaintiffs would get costs and fees
- Officials who violate it could face retraining, suspension or termination, subject to due process; the text sets no criminal penalties
- The section would have taken effect August 1, 2025
- Introduced April 7, 2025 and referred to Public Safety Finance and Policy; no further action before the Legislature adjourned
Latest legislative action
Mar 5, 2026. Author stricken Engen; no further action before the 2025-2026 Legislature adjourned
Sponsors (showing 5 of 34)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Gomez | Primary |
| Huot | Primary |
| Liebling | Primary |
| Omar | Primary |
| Acomb | Cosponsor |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error