Bill · S. 5544· Senate(119-S-5544)
Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/24/2026
- Last activity
- 9/24/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2026. It makes it unlawful for the Federal Government to use biometric surveillance systems without explicit statutory authorization from Congress. The bill also stops Federal law enforcement agencies from spending funds on these surveillance systems. Additionally, State and local governments will lose out on certain Federal public safety grants unless they follow a policy or law that bans biometric surveillance. Finally, the bill allows individuals to sue the Federal Government if their rights under this act are violated.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+8
The legislation creates a private right of action for individuals harmed by federal biometric surveillance violations.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+7
The bill strongly protects personal privacy by banning unauthorized facial recognition and biometric tracking by government agencies.
Does this change how police departments operate?+6
The legislation places strict moratoria on federal, state, and local law enforcement use of biometric surveillance technologies.
The opposite
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?-8
The bill actively restricts and prohibits federal and state government entities from engaging in domestic biometric surveillance.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-3
Withholding federal public safety grants from states that do not ban biometric surveillance pressures local jurisdictions to adopt federal policy preferences.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 3(a): This section bans Federal agencies and officials from using biometric surveillance systems unless Congress explicitly allows it, which helps protect everyday people from government tracking.
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Section 3(c)(2): This gives individuals the right to sue the Federal Government if they are harmed by a violation of this act, allowing them to seek actual damages, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees.
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Section 3(e): This stops Federal law enforcement from spending taxpayer money to buy or use biometric surveillance systems.
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Section 4(a): This withholds Byrne grant program funds from State and local governments unless they have a law or policy that bans biometric surveillance.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 4(a): State and local governments that use biometric surveillance will lose out on Federal financial assistance through the Byrne grant program, which could reduce funding for local public safety programs.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+8Improves Due Process+5Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+4Increase States Rights-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+6Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Disability Rights+3Improves Gender Equality+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+5Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Immigrants+4
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+7Increases Big Tech Regulation+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-8
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+3
- 9/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts