MN SF129: Acquisition and use prohibition of facial recognition technology by government entities

In one paragraph

Minnesota's SF 129 (93rd Legislature) 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. People could have sued for damages of at least $1,000 or $100 per violation, whichever is greater, plus injunctions. Introduced January 11, 2023 and 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

1. 1Would have added Minn. Stat. 626.191; face surveillance means an automated or semiautomated process that helps identify a person from facial features; companion HF 2048 (also died in committee)
2. 2Government entities and officials could not obtain, use or contract with private entities for face surveillance systems or their information; the text lists no exceptions
3. 3Data and evidence from violations inadmissible in court and other proceedings and to be deleted on discovery
4. 4Injunctive or declaratory relief or a writ of mandate; actual damages for people subjected to face surveillance in violation, but not less than $1,000 or $100 per violation, whichever is greater; costs and fees to prevailing plaintiffs
5. 5Officials could face retraining, suspension or termination, subject to due process; no criminal penalties
6. 6The section would have taken effect August 1, 2023
7. 7Introduced January 11, 2023 and referred to Judiciary and Public Safety; last action February 29, 2024 (chief author change); no further action before the Legislature adjourned

Latest legislative action

Feb 29, 2024. Chief author added Oumou Verbeten; no further action before the 2023-2024 Legislature adjourned

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