Bill

A 5616

Relates to criminal possession of stolen property

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Berger and 3 co-sponsors

Requires New Jersey AG to study law‑enforcement facial recognition, report feasibility and current use within six months, and develop a statewide policy to govern it.

REFERRED TO CODES

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 5616

Summary: Assembly Bill A 5616 (Introduced May 5, 2025)

Note: The bill’s title suggests a focus on criminal possession of stolen property, but the introduced text provided concerns facial recognition technology. The summary below reflects the introduced version’s content.

Purpose and intent

Commissioned study and policy guidance on the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement in New Jersey.
The bill directs the Attorney General to examine current technology, assess feasibility and accuracy, document any statewide use for generating police reports, and develop a statewide policy framework governing use by State and local law enforcement.

Key provisions

1) Study and reporting obligation
- The Attorney General shall study the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies.
- The Attorney General must issue a report to the Governor and the Legislature, pursuant to N.J.S. 52:14-19.1, within six months after the bill’s effective date.
- The report must cover, at minimum:
- (1) An assessment of facial recognition technology available to law enforcement and the feasibility/accuracy of its use.
- (2) A statewide summary of any current use of such technology by law enforcement for generating police reports.
- (3) Recommendations for implementing a statewide policy applicable to state and local law enforcement governing the use of facial recognition technology.

2) Definitions and effective date
- Defines “facial recognition technology” as a computer application that uses facial recognition algorithms to identify or verify a person from a digital image or a video frame.
- The act takes effect immediately.

Who is affected

State and local law enforcement agencies that may use facial recognition technology.
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, which would conduct the study and prepare the report.
The Governor and the Legislature, which would receive the report and recommendations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in the Assembly on May 5, 2025; referred to Codes (with prior reference activity noted to Codes and Public Safety committees in related actions).
Timeline: Six months from the bill’s effective date to deliver the required report.
Related legislation: Companion and related bills noted (e.g., S 3137 and others) in prior sessions.

Potential impact

Could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive statewide policy on facial recognition use by law enforcement.
Promotes transparency and oversight by requiring an audit of current practices and an assessment of technology accuracy and feasibility.
If enacted, the policy recommendations could shape future regulations, standards, training, governance, and privacy protections for facial recognition use in New Jersey.

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