An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology
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H1946 — An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology
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1Introduced
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2In Committee
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3Passed House
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4Passed Senate
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.
Summary
An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology
Bill Text
- Full text Current
AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.
This bill amends Chapter 6 of the General Laws to regulate the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement agencies, establishing strict guidelines and reporting requirements for facial recognition searches.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
Section 220. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings: ...
This adds a new section defining various terms related to biometric surveillance technology.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(b) Absent express authorization in a general or special law to the contrary, it shall be unlawful for a law enforcement agency or officer to acquire, possess, access, use, assist with the use of or provide resources for the development or use of any biometric surveillance technology, or to enter into a contract with or make a request to a third party, including any federal agency, for the purpose of acquiring, possessing, accessing or using information derived from a biometric surveillance technology.
This establishes that law enforcement cannot use biometric surveillance technology without specific authorization.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(c) The registrar of motor vehicles may acquire, possess, or use facial recognition technology to verify an individual’s identity when issuing licenses, permits or other documents pursuant to chapter 90; provided, however, that the registrar shall not allow any other entity to access or otherwise use its facial recognition technology except in accordance with subsection (d).
This permits the registrar of motor vehicles to use facial recognition technology under strict guidelines.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(d) The department of state police may perform a facial recognition search, or request the federal bureau of investigation to perform such a search, for the following purposes: ...
This specifies conditions under which the state police may use facial recognition searches.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(e) For any emergency facial recognition search performed or requested under subsection (d)(2), ...
This mandates documentation of emergency facial recognition searches to ensure accountability.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(f) All individuals charged with a crime who were identified using a facial recognition search under this subsection shall be provided notice that they were subject to such search, ...
This requires notice to individuals identified through facial recognition searches to promote transparency.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(g) The department shall document, as a public record, each facial recognition search request and each facial recognition search performed pursuant to this section ...
This mandates reporting of facial recognition searches to enhance oversight.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(h) Annually, not later than March 31, the executive office of public safety and security shall publish on its website ...
This requires annual publication of facial recognition search data to inform the public.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(i) Each non-law enforcement public agency shall document, as a public record, each facial recognition search requested and each facial recognition search performed by its public officials ...
This holds non-law enforcement agencies accountable for their facial recognition searches.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(j) Annually, not later than March 31, the executive office of public safety and security shall publish on its website ...
This ensures that non-law enforcement agency search data is also made public annually.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(k) Notwithstanding subsection (b), it shall be unlawful for a law enforcement agency of officer to use a biometric surveillance system to infer a person’s emotions or affect ...
This prohibits the use of biometric surveillance for inferring emotions.
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Chapter 6, Section 220
(l) Notwithstanding subsection (b), a law enforcement agency or officer may: ...
This clarifies permissible uses of personal electronic devices and automated software by law enforcement.
Sponsors
- Orlando Ramos · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 203 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- Orlando Ramos Democrat
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (203)
203 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 203 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does H1946 do?
- An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology
- Who sponsors H1946?
- H1946 is sponsored by Orlando Ramos (Democrat).
- What is the current status of H1946?
- This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
- Where can I track H1946?
- Track H1946 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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