Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2026
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Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2026
United States (federal)
Proposed legislation
S. 5544 (119th Congress).[1]
The Senate introduced S. 5544 and referred it to the Judiciary Committee on September 24, 2026; sponsors announced reintroduction September 25.[1][2]
None; this is a proposal.
September 28, 2026 (sponsor announcement, draft bill text and Congressional Record).
The Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2026 (S. 5544) is a proposed U.S. federal bill announced by Senator Ed Markey, Senator Jeff Merkley, and House sponsors on September 25, 2026. It would restrict federal biometric surveillance and condition certain state and local law-enforcement grants on comparable limits.[2][3]
Proposal
The draft would bar federal agencies and officials from acquiring, possessing, accessing or using biometric surveillance systems or information obtained from systems run by others in the United States, unless a later Act of Congress expressly authorizes a specified use with safeguards. Its definitions cover face and voice recognition and certain other remote biometric identification, while excluding fingerprints or palm prints not obtained from a distance.[3]
The proposal would bar federal law-enforcement spending on biometric surveillance systems. It would also make states and localities ineligible for Byrne public-safety grants unless they maintain substantially similar restrictions. It provides a cause of action for affected individuals and enforcement by state attorneys general, and sets limits on federal use of evidence obtained in violation of the proposed law.[3]
Status and coverage
The Congressional Record lists S. 5544 as introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 24. The sponsors announced the reintroduction on September 25.[1][2] See September 26 news coverage, federal authorities and Legislation and Regulation.