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If you operate a law enforcement agency in South Carolina, you must ensure no biometric surveillance systems are used with officer cameras or face penalties.
State
South Carolina
Bill Number
H4709
Status
Introduced
Risk Level
Medium
Category
Comprehensive
Last Action
Jan 14, 2020
Last Verified
May 28, 2026
Data Updated
May 28, 2026
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
The proposed legislation aims to regulate the use of biometric surveillance systems in conjunction with officer cameras by law enforcement agencies in South Carolina. It defines key terms and outlines penalties for violations. This bill is significant for law enforcement practices and data privacy considerations.
Key Provisions
Prohibits installation or use of biometric surveillance systems with officer cameras.
Defines key terms related to biometric surveillance and officer cameras.
Establishes penalties for violations of the prohibition.
Latest Legislative Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
Bill Sponsors
Name
Role
District
Leonidas StavrinakisD
Sponsor
HD-119
Roy MagnusonR
Sponsor
HD-038
Todd RutherfordD
Sponsor
HD-074
Compliance Checklist
Ensure no biometric surveillance systems are used with officer cameras. Who: Law enforcement agencies and officers. Penalty: Penalties for violations as specified in the bill.
Full Legal Analysis
The bill amends the Code of Laws of South Carolina by adding Section 23-1-250, which explicitly prohibits law enforcement agencies or officers from installing, activating, or using biometric surveillance systems in connection with officer cameras or the data collected by them. This measure is intended to protect citizens' privacy rights and limit the scope of surveillance technologies employed by law enforcement. The bill outlines penalties for non-compliance, although it does not specify the penalty amounts. Key definitions related to biometric surveillance and officer cameras are included to clarify the scope of the law. This legislation aligns with growing concerns about surveillance technologies and their implications for civil liberties, similar to laws being enacted in other states that seek to limit the use of facial recognition and other biometric technologies by government entities.
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