Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance public safety and protect individual privacy by prohibiting the use of facial recognition technology by government entities in Minnesota. It seeks to establish new regulations under Minnesota Statutes chapter 626.

Main Provisions

• Ban on Facial Recognition: The bill prohibits any state or local government entity, including law enforcement agencies, from acquiring, retaining, accessing, or using facial recognition systems. This ban extends to any agreements or arrangements with private entities to use such systems.

• Definitions: Key terms are defined, including "face surveillance," which refers to automated processes of identifying individuals based on their facial characteristics, and "government entity," which includes any state or local government unit or law enforcement agency.

Significant Changes

• Enforcement and Penalties: The bill details enforcement measures if the ban is violated:

  • Data collected in violation of this ban cannot be used in legal proceedings and must be deleted once it is discovered.
  • Affected individuals can seek legal action for injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or a writ of mandate to ensure compliance.
  • Individuals can claim actual damages, with a minimum of $1,000 or $100 per violation, whichever is greater.

• Legal and Financial Repercussions: Successful plaintiffs in legal actions related to violations are entitled to recover court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

• Accountability for Officials: Government officials who violate the ban may face training, suspension, or termination, adhering to due process requirements.

Relevant Terms

facial recognition, face surveillance, government entity, law enforcement, privacy, legal penalties, injunction, damages, government official accountability.