H 4640
An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill implements recommendations from a special commission regarding the use of facial recognition technology in Massachusetts. It establishes definitions for key terms like ‘facial recognition’ and ‘biometric surveillance technology,’ and restricts law enforcement agencies from acquiring or using such technology without specific authorization. The bill also outlines guidelines for when facial recognition searches are permissible, including requirements for documentation and notification to defendants in criminal cases, and mandates public reporting of search activities.
Key provisions
- Defines key terms related to facial recognition and biometric surveillance technology.
- Prohibits law enforcement agencies from acquiring or using facial recognition technology without specific authorization.
- Establishes guidelines for when facial recognition searches are permitted, including emergency situations and warrant-based searches.
- Requires notification to defendants in criminal cases if facial recognition is used to identify them.
- Mandates public reporting of facial recognition search activities by law enforcement and public agencies.
- Limits the use of facial recognition to user authentication for personal electronic devices.
- Prohibits the inference of emotions or analysis of moving images using facial recognition technology.
- Requires documentation of facial recognition searches and reporting to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Who is affected
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
Bud L. Williams
Christine P. Barber
David M. Rogers
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Bill H.4640 194th (Current)
An Act to implement the recommendations of the special commission on facial recognition technology
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4640
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 10/23/2025 | House | New draft of H1946 |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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