MD HB720: Labor and Employment - Prohibition on Use of Facial Recognition Services by Employers - Application Verified

House Bill 720 establishes a prohibition on the use of facial recognition technology by employers during the interview process for employment. Specifically, it mandates that employers must obtain explicit consent from applicants before creating a facial template using such technology. The bill expands the definition of 'employer' to include both state and local governments, thereby broadening the scope of compliance requirements. The bill addresses a significant concern regarding privacy and the potential misuse of facial recognition technology in employment settings. As facial recognition technology becomes more prevalent, this legislation aims to protect applicants from unauthorized surveillance and data collection. Employers in Maryland will need to review their hiring practices and ensure that they have mechanisms in place to obtain consent from applicants if they intend to use facial recognition technology. This may involve updating privacy policies, training staff on compliance, and implementing new consent procedures to align with the requirements set forth in this bill.