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AI Summary
AB 1215 prohibits law enforcement from using biometric surveillance systems with officer cameras, emphasizing privacy and civil rights.
Business Impact
If you operate a law enforcement agency in California, you must cease using biometric surveillance systems with officer cameras to avoid 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
California's AB 1215 restricts law enforcement's use of biometric surveillance systems, particularly in conjunction with body-worn cameras. This legislation aims to protect individual privacy rights and civil liberties, addressing concerns about misidentification and the chilling effect on public engagement with law enforcement. The bill underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding citizens from invasive surveillance technologies.
Key Provisions
- Prohibits law enforcement from using biometric surveillance systems with officer cameras.
- Allows individuals to seek legal action against violations of this prohibition.
- Defines key terms such as 'biometric data' and 'biometric surveillance system'.
- Exempts lawful mobile fingerprint scanning that does not retain biometric data.
- Legislation is temporary, set to repeal on January 1, 2023.
Latest Legislative Action
Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 579, Statutes of 2019.
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Philip Ting D | Sponsor | HD-019 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 5)
A ·
AB 1215 Ting Concurrence in Senate Amendments ·
Sep 12, 2019
47 Yea
21 Nay
11 Other
Passed ✓
S ·
Assembly 3rd Reading AB1215 Ting By Bradford ·
Sep 11, 2019
22 Yea
15 Nay
3 Other
Passed ✓
S ·
Do pass ·
Jun 11, 2019
5 Yea
2 Nay
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Cease use of biometric surveillance systems with officer cameras.
Who: Law enforcement agencies and officers in California.
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment.
Penalty: Legal action for violations.
Who: Law enforcement agencies and officers in California.
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment.
Penalty: Legal action for violations.
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
AB 1215 introduces Section 832.19 to the California Penal Code, which prohibits law enforcement agencies and officers from installing, activating, or using any biometric surveillance system in connection with officer cameras or the data they collect. This prohibition is rooted in the legislature's findings that such technologies pose significant threats to civil rights and privacy. The bill allows individuals to seek equitable or declaratory relief against violations, emphasizing accountability for law enforcement practices. Notably, the bill does not prevent the use of mobile fingerprint scanning devices during lawful detentions, provided they do not retain biometric data or surveillance information. The provisions of this section will be repealed on January 1, 2023, indicating a temporary measure that reflects the evolving landscape of biometric surveillance regulation in California. This legislation aligns with similar efforts in other states to regulate the use of facial recognition technology and biometric data, highlighting a growing trend towards stricter oversight of surveillance practices.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View AB1215 on official legislature website →
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