Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits use of biometric identifying technology until at least July 1, 2022, and requires the commissioner of education to conduct a study on the use of biometric identifying technology.

Highlights:

• Prohibits public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, including charter schools, from purchasing or utilizing biometric identifying technology for any purpose, including school security, until July 1, 2022, or until the commissioner authorizes such purchase or utilization, whichever occurs later (Sec. 1).

• Defines “biometric identifying technology” as any tool using an automated or semi-automated process that assists in verifying a person's identity based on a person's biometric information (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the commissioner from authorizing the purchase or utilization of biometric identifying technology without first issuing a report prepared in consultation with the department’s chief privacy officer, making recommendations as to the circumstances in which the utilization of such technology is appropriate in public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, including charter schools, and what restrictions and guide-lines should be enacted to protect individual privacy, civil rights, and civil liberty interests (Sec. 1).

• Requires the commissioner to seek feedback from teachers, school administrators, parents, individuals with expertise in school safety and security, and individuals with expertise in data privacy issues and student privacy issues, and individuals with expertise in civil rights and civil liberties, via schedule public hearings and other outreach methods, before making such recommendations (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text