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Bill

Bill

S 5609

Prohibits the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement; establishes the biometric surveillance regulation task force; and provides for the expiration and repeal of certain provisions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey and 6 co-sponsors

Bans law enforcement from using biometric surveillance technology and creates a task force to study and regulate it, with sunset provisions for periodic review.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO CODES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5609

Summary of Bill S 5609

Overview

Bill S 5609 would prohibit the use of biometric surveillance technology by law enforcement, establish a Biometric Surveillance Regulation Task Force to study and regulate such technology, and provide for the expiration or repeal of certain provisions related to biometric surveillance. The bill’s status is “Reported and Committed to Codes,” indicating it has been rendered from its committee and forwarded to the Codes Committee for consideration. It was introduced on February 25, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • Set clear restrictions on how law enforcement may use biometric surveillance technology.
  • Create a dedicated body (task force) to examine, regulate, and potentially guide future policy on biometric surveillance.
  • Introduce sunset or expiration mechanisms and repeal provisions to ensure periodic review and potential repeal or renewal of related rules.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on Use by Law Enforcement: The bill prohibits law enforcement agencies from deploying biometric surveillance technology. This typically includes tools such as facial recognition and other biometric matching systems, though the exact scope is defined in the bill text.
  • Biometric Surveillance Regulation Task Force: Establishes a task force charged with studying biometric surveillance, crafting regulatory standards, and advising on enforcement, oversight, and policy design.
  • Expiration and Repeal Provisions: Includes sunset/expiration provisions for certain biometric surveillance authorities or related provisions, and provisions for repeal or replacement as appropriate, ensuring periodic reassessment.
  • Regulatory Framework: While not detailed in the summary, the bill contemplates a framework for oversight and regulation, potentially including reporting requirements, guidelines for use, privacy protections, and accountability mechanisms.

Affected Parties

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: Directly affected by the prohibition on using biometric surveillance technology.
  • State/Local Governments and Agencies: Entities that would implement the prohibition and participate in or be subject to the task force recommendations.
  • Privacy and Civil Liberties Stakeholders: Potential beneficiaries of heightened protections and regulatory oversight.

Procedural Timeline and Actions

  • February 25, 2025: Referred to the Internet and Technology committee.
  • May 5, 2025: Reported and committed to Codes (listed twice, indicating action in related committee steps).
  • The bill is currently in the Codes committee stage for further consideration, debate, and potential amendments before floor action.

Sponsors and Related Legislation

  • Primary Sponsor: Julia Salazar
  • Cosponsors: Luis R. Sepúlveda, Robert Jackson, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Liz Krueger, Jamaal Bailey, Jabari Brisport
  • Related/Companion Legislation: A 1045 (companion), and S 79, S 1609, S 7572 (prior-session bills)

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Strengthened privacy protections by limiting law enforcement access to biometric tools.
  • Requires implementation of an oversight mechanism (the task force) to guide future policy.
  • Possible need for agency planning around procurement, training, and alternatives to biometric systems.
  • Sunset and repeal provisions may prompt periodic reevaluation of policy effectiveness and technological developments.

Notes

  • This summary reflects the information available in the bill’s provided description, sponsor list, and legislative actions. For precise definitions, scope, and implementation details, the full text of S 5609 should be consulted.

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

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