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AI Summary
This bill imposes a moratorium on biometric surveillance systems by law enforcement, excluding DNA, fingerprints, or palm prints, and establishes a commission to recommend regulations.
Business Impact
If you operate a law enforcement agency in New Jersey, you must cease using biometric surveillance systems until new regulations are established.
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
The proposed legislation in New Jersey seeks to impose a moratorium on the use of biometric surveillance systems by law enforcement agencies, excluding DNA, fingerprints, or palm prints. It establishes a commission tasked with evaluating the appropriate use of such technologies and recommending regulations. This bill aims to address concerns related to privacy, accuracy, and civil rights in the deployment of biometric technologies.
Key Provisions
- Imposes a moratorium on biometric surveillance systems by law enforcement agencies, excluding DNA, fingerprints, or palm prints.
- Establishes the Biometric Surveillance Regulation Commission to evaluate and recommend regulations.
- Allows limited use of fingerprint scanning devices and DNA information under existing laws.
- Requires the commission to submit a report within 18 months.
- Grants individuals the right to seek civil action for misuse of biometric information.
- Defines key terms such as 'biometric surveillance system' and 'facial recognition.'
Latest Legislative Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Murphy, Carol A. | Primary |
Compliance Checklist
Cease use of biometric surveillance systems
Who: Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment
Penalty: Potential civil action for misuse of biometric information
Who: Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment
Penalty: Potential civil action for misuse of biometric information
Prepare for compliance with new regulations post-commission report
Who: Law enforcement agencies
Deadline: Within 18 months after commission's formation
Penalty: To be determined based on new regulations
Who: Law enforcement agencies
Deadline: Within 18 months after commission's formation
Penalty: To be determined based on new regulations
Full Legal Analysis
The bill A4211 imposes a moratorium on the acquisition, possession, access, or use of biometric surveillance systems by law enforcement agencies in New Jersey, excluding remote biometric recognition based on DNA, fingerprints, or palm prints, until new regulations are adopted based on the recommendations of a newly established commission. This commission, named the 'Biometric Surveillance Regulation Commission,' will evaluate the permissible uses of biometric systems, set minimum accuracy standards, and propose guidelines for data management and protection. The commission will consist of nine members, including the Superintendent of State Police, the Attorney General, and representatives from civil rights organizations, and is required to submit its findings and recommendations within 18 months of its formation. The moratorium will remain in effect until these recommendations are enacted into law. Individuals aggrieved by misuse of biometric data can seek civil remedies, emphasizing the bill's focus on accountability and transparency. This legislation reflects a growing trend in various states to regulate biometric surveillance technologies, addressing concerns over privacy, accuracy, and potential misuse. Similar measures have been introduced in other jurisdictions, indicating a broader movement towards stricter oversight of surveillance technologies.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View A4211 on official legislature website →
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