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If you operate a governmental entity in New Jersey, you must comply with strict regulations on biometric surveillance systems or face legal consequences.
State
New Jersey
Bill Number
A5969
Status
Introduced
Risk Level
High
Category
Comprehensive
Last Action
Nov 18, 2019
Last Verified
May 27, 2026
Data Updated
May 27, 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
New Jersey's Assembly Bill A5969 seeks to impose significant restrictions on the use of facial recognition and biometric surveillance by governmental entities. It highlights concerns over civil rights, accuracy, and privacy, mandating specific compliance measures for any permitted use. This legislation aims to protect residents from potential abuses associated with biometric technologies.
Key Provisions
Prohibits governmental entities from using biometric surveillance systems without specific conditions.
Requires standards for data management, including retention and access.
Mandates auditing practices to ensure accuracy and compliance with civil rights.
Establishes penalties for non-compliance, including inadmissibility of illegally obtained data.
Allows individuals to seek damages for violations of the bill.
Imposes potential disciplinary actions on governmental officials for violations.
Latest Legislative Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Bill Sponsors
Name
Role
District
Daniel BensonD
Sponsor
HD-014
Compliance Checklist
Identify permitted uses and entities for biometric surveillance systems. Who: Governmental entities in New Jersey. Penalty: Potential legal consequences for non-compliance.
Develop and implement data management standards for biometric information. Who: Governmental entities in New Jersey. Penalty: Inadmissibility of illegally obtained biometric information.
Assembly Bill A5969 introduces stringent regulations on the use of facial recognition and biometric surveillance technologies by governmental entities in New Jersey. It prohibits the acquisition, possession, access, or use of such technologies unless specific conditions are met, including the identification of permitted entities and purposes, the establishment of data management standards, and the development of auditing practices to ensure accuracy and compliance with civil rights protections. The bill also outlines penalties for non-compliance, including the inadmissibility of illegally obtained biometric information in legal proceedings and potential disciplinary actions against governmental officials who violate the provisions. Key definitions clarify what constitutes a biometric surveillance system and the scope of governmental entities covered under the law. This bill aligns with similar legislative efforts in other states aimed at regulating the use of biometric technologies to safeguard individual rights.
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