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AI Summary
This bill restricts state and local agencies from collecting biometric data, with exceptions for pre-existing practices and federal mandates at airports.
Business Impact
If you operate a state agency in New Hampshire, you must stop collecting biometric data by January 1, 2014, or face legal action.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
HB312 aims to limit the collection of biometric data by government entities in New Hampshire. It establishes clear definitions of biometric data and outlines prohibitions on its collection, ensuring individuals' privacy rights are protected. The bill also allows for civil action against agencies that violate these restrictions, making compliance critical for affected entities. Existing practices can continue without expansion unless legislatively approved, and airports can modify practices if federally required.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits government agencies from collecting biometric data without specific exemptions.
- Defines biometric data to include fingerprints, facial recognition, voice data, and more.
- Allows individuals to bring civil actions for violations, including seeking damages.
- Mandates destruction of biometric data upon termination of employment.
- Exempts certain existing biometric data practices from the prohibition, provided they are not expanded or modified without legislative approval.
- Airports can expand or modify biometric data collection practices if mandated by federal law or regulation without legislative approval.
- No biometric data collected under this bill shall be subject to subpoena.
Latest Legislative Action
Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 45
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 8)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Michael I Moffett | Primary |
| Bob J. Lynn | Cosponsor |
| Daryl Abbas | Cosponsor |
| Jess Edwards | Cosponsor |
| Jim V. Maggiore | Cosponsor |
Compliance Checklist
Cease collection of biometric data unless exempted
Who: State agencies, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Deadline: By January 1, 2014
Penalty: Civil action for damages and attorney fees
Who: State agencies, municipalities, and political subdivisions
Deadline: By January 1, 2014
Penalty: Civil action for damages and attorney fees
Destroy biometric data collected for employee identification upon termination
Who: State agencies
Deadline: Upon employee termination
Penalty: Civil action for misuse of data
Who: State agencies
Deadline: Upon employee termination
Penalty: Civil action for misuse of data
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
HB312 introduces a new chapter in New Hampshire law focused on the regulation of biometric information. It prohibits government agencies from collecting biometric data unless specifically exempted, with strict definitions of what constitutes biometric data. Agencies must comply with these restrictions by January 1, 2014, or face civil actions from individuals whose data is misused. The bill also outlines penalties for non-compliance, including the potential for damages and attorney fees. This legislation aligns with similar laws in other states that seek to protect individuals' biometric privacy rights. Existing biometric data collection practices implemented before the effective date can continue without expansion or modification unless approved by legislation. Airports are exempt from needing legislative approval for changes if required by federal law or regulation.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB312 on official legislature website →
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