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VA SB741: Facial recognition technology; authorized uses.

Effective Jul 1, 2022 Virginia · 2022 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

SB741 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Jul 1, 2022
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Virginia SB 741 (2022) replaced the 2021 local police ban with a regulated framework. Local police, campus police and the State Police may use facial recognition only for listed authorized uses, with systems approved by the Division of Purchases and Supply and evaluated by NIST at 98 percent true-positive accuracy or better with minimal demographic variation. The State Police publish a model policy, agencies report annually, a match cannot by itself establish probable cause for a warrant, and misuse is a Class 3 misdemeanor. The act states its provisions expire July 1, 2026.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Facial recognition vendors and Virginia police must meet accuracy, policy and reporting conditions; the framework was enacted with a July 1, 2026 sunset.

Key provisions

  1. Facial recognition allowed for local, campus and State Police only for authorized uses (Code 15.2-1723.2, 23.1-815.1, new 52-4.5)
  2. Systems must be state-approved and NIST-evaluated with at least 98% true-positive accuracy and minimal demographic variation
  3. State Police model policy; agencies adopt it or a stricter one; annual public reports
  4. A match may not be included in an affidavit to establish probable cause; admissible as exculpatory evidence
  5. Unauthorized searches are a Class 3 misdemeanor and require retraining
  6. Act states its provisions expire July 1, 2026

Latest legislative action

Apr 27, 2022. Enacted, Chapter 737 (effective 7/1/22)

Topics and industries

Related topics

Facial RecognitionAI in Law Enforcement

Affected industries

GovernmentTechnology

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

Related AI laws in Virginia

All Virginia bills →
HB1496 Law-enforcement agencies; surveillance technology reporting. HB2031 Facial recognition technology; local law-enforcement agencies, etc., authorizati HB2692 Custodial interrogations; false statements to a child prohibited, inauthentic re HB1642 Artificial intelligence-based tool; definition, use of tool. HB1294 Use of artificial intelligence-based tools; covered artificial intelligence, dis HB1257 Law-enforcement agencies; use of certain technologies & interrogation practices;

Same topic in other states

Montana SB397 Generally revise laws related to privacy and facial recognition technology Utah SB231 Public Surveillance Prohibition Amendments Vermont S0124 An act relating to governmental structures protecting the public health, safety, Maine LD1585 An Act To Increase Privacy and Security by Regulating the Use of Facial Surveill Minnesota SF3072 An act relating to public safety; ... regulating the use of unmanned aerial vehi Washington SB6280 Concerning the use of facial recognition services.