S 1551 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to promote transparency of facial recognition and driver's license photos

This bill requires the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to inform the public about how law enforcement uses facial recognition technology on driver's license photos. Specifically, the registrar must display notices at all licensing offices, provide written information to applicants, and publish details on the department's website regarding these searches. The information must explain how criminal investigators access and use targeted face recognition tools. This measure aims to increase transparency for individuals applying for licenses and the general public by clarifying the extent of government surveillance on identity documents.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 13, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Apr 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Apr 4, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors