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Bill

S 8004

Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rachel May

Prohibits biometric surveillance and handling of biometric data in places of public accommodation, safeguarding privacy for customers and workers; defines data and enforcement.

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · S 8004

Summary of Bill S 8004

Quick Facts

  • Bill Number: S 8004
  • Title: Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance system or biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation
  • Sponsor: Rachel May (primary)
  • Status: REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
  • Introduced: May 15, 2025
  • Related Bills: S 7135 (prior-session), A 6211 (companion)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to prohibit the use of biometric surveillance systems and the handling of biometric surveillance information in places of public accommodation. The aim is to limit or ban the collection, storage, or use of biometric data (such as facial recognition, fingerprints, iris scans, etc.) in venues and facilities that serve the public, with the goal of protecting privacy and civil liberties.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title)

  • Prohibition on biometric surveillance in places of public accommodation: The core provision would bar the use of biometric surveillance systems within spaces accessible to the public, and prohibit the handling or processing of biometric data obtained in those settings.
  • Scope of “biometric surveillance information”: The bill would define what constitutes biometric data and how it may be used, retained, or shared, specifically in public-facing establishments.
  • Enforcement and remedies: While not detailed in the summary, the bill would typically establish who can enforce the prohibition (e.g., state authorities or civil actions) and potential remedies or penalties for violations.
  • Exemptions (potential): Most biometric-protection bills include exemptions (e.g., for law enforcement, safety, or contractual consent). The exact exemptions would be defined in the full text.
  • Effective date: The bill would specify when the prohibition takes effect after enactment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Places of public accommodation (e.g., businesses and facilities open to the public) would be directly impacted, along with any entities that collect, store, or use biometric data in such places.
  • Customers and employees could be affected through privacy protections and restrictions on data collection and retention.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • The bill has been referred to the Investigations and Government Operations committee, indicating initial committee review and potential hearings before any floor votes.
  • As a companion and related bills exist (A 6211, S 7135), amendments or coordinated actions across Senate and Assembly could influence eventual language and passage.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Enhanced privacy protections in public venues.
  • Compliance burden for businesses that currently use biometric systems or collect biometric data.
  • Clarity on definitions, enforcement mechanisms, and permissible exceptions will shape practical impact.
  • The relationship to prior-session and companion bills may affect likelihood of passage and implementation timelines.

Next Steps

  • Review the full text of S 8004 to confirm precise definitions, scope, exemptions, penalties, and effective date.
  • Monitor committee hearings and any amendments in the Investigations and Government Operations committee.
  • Compare with S 7135 and A 6211 to understand alignment across chambers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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